A TEENAGE boy from Bournemouth has been tipped as one of the UK's top sprint cyclists after being asked to join an Olympic training scheme.

Ali Fielding, 15, who goes to the LeAF Studio, on Holloway Avenue, has been invited to become the newest member of the Great British Cycling Team's Olympic Development Programme (ODP).

He has caught the eye of some of the UK's best cycling coaches after an impressive array of finishes in national indoor and outdoor competitions, including taking third place in both the UK School Games and National Track Championships.

Ali has also won first place in the Circuit Road Race and now sets his sights on pedalling his way to success and becoming an Olympic Gold Medal winner in the velodrome like his hero, Sir Chris Hoy.

He said: "The ODP coach has told me he’s been really impressed with my recent results and has asked me to join one of their training camps.

"ODP is usually for 17 to 18 year-olds so there’s a bit more to arrange so I can join one of the camps but I’m hopeful this will happen later in the year. I should also be on the full programme by the end of the year."

Ali added: "Cycling is my life and I am really excited about the prospect of joining some of the best young riders in the country.

"It’s a full-time pursuit and I couldn’t do it without the wonderful support from my family and the expert coaching and guidance I receive at school."

The teen took up cycling aged 12 after his older brother encouraged him to take part in races and within four months he had finished fourth place in his first National Track Championships.

The Great British Cycling Team’s Olympic Development Programme is a key stepping stone for junior age riders to develop as full-time cyclists.

It offers individual training programmes, a structured race programme, and support and education from GBCT’s performance support team to help the young people to become the very top of their sport.

Gill Blanshard, executive principal of the LeAF Studio, said: "What Ali is achieving at his age is simply phenomenal.

"He is outperforming cyclists much older and more experienced and we’re not at all surprised he is now under the radar of the national cycling team coaches. We are very proud of him."