Bellis 'will learn from Beijing'

Bellis is one of only two Manxmen going to the Olympics

Manx cyclist Jonny Bellis is looking forward to the experience of competing in the Beijing Olympics next month.

The 19-year-old, who won a bronze medal in the Under-23 World Championships last year, was recently named in the British Olympics road race squad.

Bellis and Mark Cavendish are the only two Manxmen in the Olympics squad.

"In four years I want be going to the London Games to win a medal but this year I just want to see what it's like [for the top cyclists]," Bellis said.

He continued: "I want to see how they cope with the pressure, that's the best training I could have at the moment.

"I am coming from a place with a great cycling culture. In the Isle of Man everyone likes to get out on the roads and there are loads of club runs. It's an ideal place to train. We've got quiet roads, good hills and clear flats.

"We've got a bit of everything here. The only thing that's missing is a track. If we had a track it would be one of the best places in the world to train."