ROSS Cullen admitted it was ‘amazing’ to be selected as the Great Britain flag bearer at the recent Youth Olympics Games in Argentina.

The 17-year-old BMX ace from Chorley flew the flag for his town and country as he secured a 10th-place finish alongside Elissa Bradford in the mixed-racing event.

Both riders raced separately with their combined scores across the men’s and women’s events deciding the medals in Argentina.

Two semi-finals of eight were split across three heats with the top four in each semi-final progressing to the final.

After a fourth place for Cullen, he followed up with two second places, securing his place in the boy’s final.

Three fifth places for Bradford meant she missed out on the women’s showpiece race.

Cullen, who has two world junior titles to his name, entered the final as one of the fancied riders, however, a slow start meant he found it difficult to recover and eventually finished in seventh and ensured the duo ended the event in 10th place.

Speaking on the Team GB website, Cullen said: “Sometimes the racing doesn’t go to plan but I was still happy with some of the laps I put in and pretty happy with my overall performance.

“I was feeling good going in to the final, the hot weather and the short rest didn’t help but I was still confident that I was capable but BMX can be such a savage sport and sometimes it just doesn’t go your way.”

Cullen had the honour of leading out Team GB at the opening ceremony after being announced as flag bearer.

It came after teammates voted for the athlete who best personified the Team GB values.

Cullen, who has twice been World Junior BMX Champion, led out Team GB’s 43-strong athlete delegation with the ceremony officially starting 12 days of action across the city.

Of being named as the flag bearer, Cullen said: “It’s was an honour to have been selected for the Youth Olympics and represent BMX but even more special to be chosen as flag bearer.

“It’s amazing to be picked by my fellow athletes.

“It felt like I got on with everyone so I’m really pleased they’ve picked me to lead the team out.

“I loved being there. Even just getting off the plane and seeing all the buses branded up and then walking into the Village for the first time – it was quite surreal actually.

“The atmosphere was amazing and I met so many different athletes from all around the world.”