TWO-TIME Olympic Gold medallist and five time world champion, Ed Clancy, was the guest of honour as the wraps were taken off a brand new cycling team, showcasing the next generation of potential British Olympic stars.

The Velocity WD-40 Junior and Youth Cycling team was officially launched at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester ahead of the second event in the popular Revolution Series.

Former Holme Valley Wheeler Clancy attended the launch and spent time talking to the young riders.

The formation of the team, which features some of the top teenage talent from the north west of England and the north Midlands, is another significant boost for British cycling after the famous Tour De France victory of Bradley Wiggins and a golden success streak at London 2012.

The team includes 2012 national Under 14 Omnium champion Matt Walls, from Oldham, and Cheshire’s Matt Gibson, a member of the Team GB Olympic Development Programme.

Based at the Manchester Velodrome, Velocity WD-40 will be run with a professional ethos and aims to take the youngsters aged from 14 to 18 from the youth ranks right through to professional status.

Clancy said: “It’s fantastic to see youngsters dedicating their time to cycling as it will undoubtedly help provide the country with the next generation of Olympic and world championship riders.

“Having started riding from an early age I’d encourage all youngsters to take part in cycling as it not only keeps you fit, but could lead to a career in the sport.

“I’ll be keeping an eye on the progress of the Velocity WD-40 team and hope to see more of them in the coming years.”

The team is made up of four junior and four youth riders, all of whom will be spending weekends in 2013 racing at events across the UK, while training on roads around North West England in the week.