Cycling: GB call-up joy for Paul and Skinner

Published on Thursday 14 July 2011 07:28

City OF EDINBURGH cyclists Callum Skinner and John Paul were today celebrating their inclusion in a 29-strong Great Britain squad for the European Under-23 and Junior Track Championships in Portugal at the end of this month.

Skinner, who is not yet 19, will compete in the Under-23 team sprint and also hopes to contest the individual sprint and the Keirin, with selection for those events depending on performances in training over the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Paul, who has been in outstanding form this season with a string of wins over senior opposition, will line up for the junior sprint and looks set to be among the contenders for a place on the podium.

The duo, who rode in last year's Commonwealth Games, are among several riders in the squad who have senior international experience.

Looking ahead to the challenge he faces in the championships, Skinner said: "I am very excited and happy to be selected as a result of my progress in the last few months.

"Hopefully I will be able to hold on to some of the good form I had in Germany recently, when I posted a new PB."