Lizzy Armitstead

July 19-23; Athens Olympic Velodrome

Lizzy Armitstead was a revelation last year with a Silver medal in the World Junior championships and this year, more results like the British Circuit Race title for seniors which shows how much this young lady is progressing as an athlete.

Lizzy was training at Manchester with National Women's Coach Dan Hunt and she explained that last year was more about gaining experience so the pressure is now on this year where results are expected.

Going back to last year where she made her debut at the Europeans, Lizzy says "I think I definitely improved between the Europeans and the Worlds last year. Having done the Europeans I learnt how to deal with the environment and the pressure."

So is she more relaxed this year going into the Championships? "Sort of. Last year going into the championships I felt strong and confident but this year I have had time out for glandular fever. I have though had a few good results recently so hopefully its coming together at the right time."

Lizzy told us she hasn't raced on he track since last October although has had time on the track at some training camps. "I'm looking forward to getting into the racing and seeing how hard I can make it". Part of Lizzy's preparation has been racing in Belgium where she has had some good results including a second place. These crits she told us have been good because the racing is flat and fast.

"I don't feel a hundred per cent yet but because I haven't raced yet on the track, its hard to judge it. My skill level has improved though and tactically I think I have got a lot better at judging races and that."

She adds that the training camp at Manchester will help her further with her speed work. "I'm starting to get into it now after I was a bit sluggish to begin with." It's all geared to making the her best she can be for the Points and Scratch races and possibly the Pursuit."

To finish, we then joked about how she viewed her future as a rider. A lot of talented juniors of course don't go all the way in the sport and instead go off to take on careers or become mothers before they realise their goals as senior riders. Lizzy thankfully admits that she has her sights firmly on the 2012 Olympics and we wish her lots of luck in chasing that goal.