MONMOUTHSHIRE’S Lewis Oliva will head to Hong Kong next month as part of a 20-strong Great Britain squad for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships.

Oliva, who makes his world championship debut in the April 12-16 event, is joined in the British team by fellow Welsh riders Elinor Barker, Manon Lloyd and Emily Nelson.

While those three compete in the women’s endurance disciplines, Oliva is part of the sprint set-up with Jack Carlin, Ryan Owens, Callum Skinner, Joe Truman and Katy Marchant.

“There is a good representation of Welsh riders heading to Hong Kong, with Elinor Barker leading the line-up,” said Welsh Cycling performance director Matt Cosgrove.

“All four of the riders selected progressed through the Welsh Cycling performance system, supported by Team USN.

“Lewis Oliva has put in a lot of hard work over the winter, competing in three out of four of the UCI Track Cycling World Cups with Team USN.

“He performed consistently across the series, making the keirin final on each occasion and winning a bronze medal in Glasgow.

“It’s also pleasing to see Manon step up to world championship level competition following her two gold medals in the Glasgow World Cup alongside Emily Nelson, who made her World Championship debut with a promising fifth place in London last year.

“With only a year to go until Gold Coast 2018 it is encouraging to see these Welsh riders selected in a strong Great Britain team following their solid performances throughout the World Cup season, winning six medals between them.”

Great Britain Cycling Team: Women’s Endurance – Katie Archibald, Elinor Barker, Ellie Dickinson, Neah Evans, Emily Kay, Manon Lloyd, Emily Nelson; Men’s Endurance – Matt Bostock, Steven Burke, Kian Emadi, Chris Latham, Mark Stewart, Andy Tennant, Oliver Wood; Sprint – Katy Marchant, Jack Carlin, Lewis Oliva, Ryan Owens, Callum Skinner, Joe Truman.