Cycling: Hot-shot duo win places on Olympic programme
Two of the county's top young cycling prospects have earned places on British Cycling's Olympic Academy programme for the coming year.
National points race champion George Atkins takes his place on the programme for a third year.
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And Lucy Garner, the world, European and national junior road champion, steps up after two outstanding years on BC's Olympic development programme.
The aim of the Academy is to take riders to the next step, the Podium programme, for athletes who are ready to win medals at world championships and Olympics.
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Kibworth's Atkins, the former Welland Valley rider, knows how important the coming year is going to be, and said: "It is going to be my final year as an under-23 so it's pretty much make or break in terms of track cycling for me, and not too different a situation with the road, either," he said.
"It's great to have been given another year. I think the people behind me have a lot of faith in me and can see something I probably can't!
"It's an exciting prospect going into next season. A good bit of learning has been done this year so, hopefully, that'll benefit me next year and I'll be able to pass on some of that experience to some of the younger guys who have just come on to the team.
"All in all, it's a really exciting season ahead with a top bunch of guys. Everything is in place for us to have a good season."
Garner, meanwhile, has returned to training after a three-week break from her bike and is now preparing to take her first steps in the professional ranks having signed for the Dutch Argos-Shimano team.
The Cosby 18-year-old is currently in the Netherlands, where she is getting to know her new team-mates.
"I know quite a few of the women in the team already, so it isn't a case of going there and not knowing anybody," she said.
"(Dutch rider) Kelly Markus is someone I know quite well. She is only a year older than me so is on the same level.
"I'm looking forward to going there. We won't be going out doing any training rides but, at this time of year, that doesn't matter too much – we are still recovering and getting ready for the season.
"It will be nice to meet the sponsors and team and, by the end of it, I will have a good idea of what races I will be doing next year."
The honours went to Hope Factory in round two of the Rapha Super Cross, staged by Welland Valley Wheelers at Misterton Hall.
Paul Oldham snatched victory from Hargroves Cycles pair Steven James and Jody Crawforth.
Strong rides from county duo Dave Collins and Dan Booth saw them claim sixth and seventh for Hope Factory.
Louis Killworth took a good fourth place for Welland Valley in the youth race.
At Misterton Hall, Fleckney's Matt Barratt claimed a popular win as he took the latest round of the West Midlands cyclo-cross League.
Racing in Run/Ride team colours, Barratt rode strongly on the technical course to finish almost a minute ahead of Tom Payton (Isla Bikes).
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