Winn targets Olympic team (From Free Press Series)

Winn targets Olympic team

ABERGAVENNY cyclist Julian Winn has told the Free Press that he would sacrifice everything he's achieved so far for a place on the British plane to the Olympic Games in Athens this summer.

The former British Road Race champion and Commonwealth star's CV reads like a glittering recital in podium glory, but one aspiration outweighs his success in the saddle so much that all his gold medals and trophies mean nothing without it.

"You can forget everything else the Olympics are that big," insists Winn. "Even that little old lady down the road knows what the Olympics are. It's the highest recognition you can get. It's an opportunity I hope never passes me.

"Would I give up all my successes so far for it? Yes. This is my last chance to go and I want to make sure I give it my best shot. I'd hate to think I didn't make it through lack of trying."

There's very little chance of the selectors thinking that. Winn is one of the sport's most tireless athletes regularly training six hours a day in the picturesque surroundings of his home near Abergavenny.

"I think I'm one of the people who trains harder than most," says Winn. "That might be a bold statement to make, but I'm hoping I bear the fruits of all the effort I'm putting in."

The Welshman took another massive step towards securing his place in the British Olympic squad over the weekend with an immaculate ride to win the 32nd Severn Bridge Road race.

It might not count towards his UCI ranking points, which selectors use to decide who goes to Athens, but it maintains his unprecedented form of a finish on the podium in every race he has entered this year.

Winn remains ever optimistic of his chances.

"I'm in with a shout, but I won't be resting until I'm chosen. I need to keep scoring points and winning like I am. I'm trying not to think about it too much though. It's better that I just concentrate on each race as they come."

Over the last two seasons Winn has made a noticeable step up in his conditioning and form. He puts it down to a new found maturity.

"When I went to race with Team Fakta (professioanl cycling team) it helped me develop as a cyclist. The tougher races brought me up another level and I now feel I am reaching my peak. I think I've got another three of four years left in my at this level and I'm hoping that this is when I'll dominate my opponents.

"I've got the strength of mind now to compete with the very best and that's what I intend to do."

Winn races this weekend in the Mersey Road Race.