GLASGOW schoolkid Alexander MacRae admitted yesterday that being roared down The Mall by thousands of fans will live long in the memory.

MacRae, 15, was one of 48 talented young cyclists picked to contest the Prudential RideLondon Youth Grand Prix on Saturday in front of huge crowds who lined the route.

The 45-minute race followed a scenic 1.3-mile loop around Buckingham Palace and St James' Palace. It saw 12 teams from across the UK compete for a £4,250 prize pool.

Minutes earlier the same route had been followed by some of the world's top professional cyclists as they battled for the women's Grand Prix title. They included world road race champion Marianne Vos and double Olympic champion Laura Trott.

MacRae, who competed for Scotland's boys' team, finished in 44th place, but admitted the event had been an experience to savour. The Bishopbriggs Academy pupil said: "It felt good to be racing as part of a team and working together.

"It was an easy pace going round. I sat in and tried to put in a couple of attacks,

"I wanted to try to do something, so I managed that. But then I got caught up behind a crash on the last lap as five riders went down.

"I have ridden round the streets in Glasgow, but had not done it in London before.

"It was good fun getting the crowds cheering you. It really spurred me on.

"As I was going round I had a wee look at Buckingham Palace and the big fountain at the end of The Mall.

"The huge crowds and the incredible sights meant it was a race to remember."

In the end it was Yorkshire boys' team who came out with top honours. Their four riders picked up the best combined results for a £500 bonus.

Scotland finished 11th overall but, despite missing out on the prizes, MacRae is already turning his attentions to his next challenge on the bike.

A member of the Glasgow Riderz club, which is based at Bellahouston Park, he said: "I have the Scottish time trial in a couple of weeks so I will be concentrating on that before the end of the season.

"Cycling is great fun and it's definitely what I want to do in the future."

Prudential RideLondon was on August 9 & 10. For more info visit www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk