Scott in gear for GB debut

Cycling:

JACOB SCOTT’S wardrobe is already jam-packed with Great Britain kit, but the Oldham-born cyclist insists he couldn’t be happier to give it a competitive airing after being selected for the European Youth Olympic Festival.

Scott is in his second year on the GB Talent Team but while regularly training in the red, white and blue the Turkish competition which kicks off on Saturday will be his first competitive race in national colours.

The 16-year-old, who will join 3,000 athletes from 48 European countries in Trabzon, will be a busy boy — competing in the time trial, criterium and road race.

And with his first taste of GB competition just around the corner Scott, who has just completed his GCSEs at Holmfirth High School, admits he can’t wait for the continental showdown to start.

“I’m really pleased to have got on to the team,” said Scott, whose performances have not gone unnoticed with Lloyds TSB handing him £1,000 of funding as part of their Local Heroes initiative.

“A few of the guys were checking to see if they had been picked at a training session.

“I saw a few disappointed faces so I thought I’d have a look to see if I was in and when I found out I was really pleased.

“This season has mainly been about trying to focus on getting in the team for Turkey.

“This will be my first official race for GB, and the only opportunity you get at my age to race in the full gear, so it should be great.”