Cycling: Oliphant in best form of his life

Capital cyclist Evan Oliphant will line up for today's opening stage of the Tour of Britain from Rochdale to Blackpool with his confidence high.

The 28-year-old is joined on the start line by a multinational line up of Endura team riders, featuring Spaniard Iker Camano, Frenchman Alex Blain, New Zealander Jack Bauer, Welshman Rob Partridge and England's Scott Thwaites.

Relishing the prospect of the eight-day event in which he was pipped for a stage win five years ago, Oliphant said: "I am looking forward to going into the race, probably with the best form I've ever had and hoping I can help the Endura Racing team achieve some good success."

Meanwhile, Oliphant's fellow Commonwealth Games rider David Lines will test the progress of his preparations for Delhi when he competes in tomorrow's Lammermuir Road Race over a tough 60 mile route at Gifford.

The Endura Racing man joins a field of 55 for the race which incorporates the East of Scotland and Scottish Junior Championships.

The latter event promises to be hotly contested and features several riders who have been competing in Belgium over the past few months. Among the contenders is Capital youngster, Finlay Young (Velo Ecosse).