Cyclist Finn Crockett has revealed he used his Commonwealth medal to get free beer. The young Scot, who graduated from university weeks before the Games, said he spent a few days on the lash after taking bronze in the road race.
Finn beat some of the world’s top talent, including Tour De France stars Geraint Thomas and Mark Cavendish, to bag third place for Scotland. He now hopes his success can catapult him to professional racing and a tilt at the Tour.
Finn, from Strathpeffer in Ross-shire, said: “It seemed that having one of these gongs around your neck in Birmingham qualified you for free drinks. I wasn’t saying no and I do confess to a few days of partying at the closing party and the Scotland team party after that.
“It was a brilliant experience for me and I’m still letting it all sink in. In the sprint, I knew I would stand a chance even though the calibre of the opposition was crazy. Half of the Ineos team were in the field and a lot of major professionals.”
Finn’s medal now sits proudly on the wall of his flat in Stirling, where his studies earned him an honours degree in French and marketing. The 22-year-old, who rides for UK team Ribble Weldtite, said he hopes to put his language skills to good use in his career.
He said: “Competing in the Games and representing Scotland was living the dream but I’m taking it in my stride. I’m just going to try and build on it. My degree would definitely come in handy if I managed to get a move to a big pro team.
“Anyone in my position would probably be dreaming of the Tour de France so who knows what might happen?”
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