Cycling: Skinner and Paul gear up to be prize guys in London Keirin

City of Edinburgh cyclists Callum Skinner and John Paul will feature in a ground-breaking event in London on Sunday when they face the challenge of a group of riders from around the UK inspired by the exploits of Sir Chris Hoy.

The day’s programme at the Herne Hill Velodrome is devoted to Keirin racing, the quirky event where competitors are paced by a derny motorbike which pulls off the track in the latter stages, leaving the sprinters to battle it out.

Hoy offered a master class in the event when he struck gold at the London Olympics earlier this month. Sunday’s competition offers all comers a chance to challenge the more established riders for a share of the £1000 prize fund.

Double junior world champion Paul and his fellow British Academy rider Skinner will be among the favourites to land the top award.

However, they face a tough test from fellow rising stars from the Great Britain junior squad, including Kian Emadi, and Lewis Oliva, as well as Dave Daniell, winner of the Meadowbank Grand Prix earlier this season, when he saw off Dutch international Michael Veen, a rider who is also in the 40-strong field this weekend.