Track Cycling World Cup: Lewis Oliva keen to impress with strong sprint showing
Lewis Oliva is hoping for a "big performance" at this weekend's Track Cycling World Cup in Mexico.
Last Updated: 14/01/14 2:09pm
The 21-year-old Welshman is one of a raft of up-and-coming young riders who have been given the chance to build experience and impress coaches at the season's third and final world cup, which takes place in Guadalajara from January 17-19.
Oliva is part of a three-man men's sprint squad alongside fellow youngsters John Paul and Callum Skinner. He is set to anchor the trio in the team sprint as well as challenge for medals in the individual sprint and keirin.
Oliva has ridden in the past two world cups with the Team USN squad, and with the likes of Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes staying back in Manchester to prepare for next month's world championships in Colombia, he is keen to make a statement to British Cycling coaches.
He told britishcycling.org.uk: "It is fantastic one again to be part of the set-up and travel as part of the team and hopefully break into the team sprint mould.
'Strong team'
"We are expecting some big performances, as part of the team sprint and then individually in both the sprint and keirin.
"When you look at the team on balance, we have got quite a strong team. We have got quite a good chance as a team, and then individually we have been going well, so there's no reason why we can't get on the podium."
Great Britain's coaches have been able to name a youthful, 10-strong squad for the world cup after more senior figures safely secured all of Britain's places for the world championships, which take place in Cali from February 26 to March 2.
There had originally been 11 riders in the team, but its most experienced rider, Andy Tennant, has been forced to withdraw through illness and has not travelled to Mexico.
