Scottish track cyclists Kevin Stewart and Callum Skinner have secured places on the esteemed Olympic Development Programme. The programme, which acts as a stepping-stone for talented young cyclists to strive for the highest level in the sport, is considered to be essential to reaching the highest level in world cycling. 

Stewart, 17, from Dundee, successfully completed a number of demanding training camps and lab tests to gain a place in the squad. “It’s taken a while but I’m on now. There’ll be a camp in December when we’ll go down and get our bike and kit,” he said. 

Skinner, from Edinburgh, has capped off his most successful cycling year by gaining his place on the program. Earlier this year, the 16-year-old sprint cyclist broke the British record for the 200m in the under-16 age group.

He was also awarded the inaugural Chris Hoy Trophy for his achievements on the track.  

Stewart highlights the achievement of Skinner and himself in gaining a place in the squad, which is usually dominated by English riders. “It’s quite rare for Scot’s to get into the ODP [Olympic Development Program] so I’m chuffed to bits and I can’t wait to get involved.”