Olympic Dreams: Alex Dowsett focuses on making GB team
Last updated on .From the section Olympics
Essex cyclist Alex Dowsett says all of his training and racing from now on will be focused towards making the London Olympics in 2012.
Dowsett, from Cock Clarks near Maldon, has completed his first year as a professional rider with Team Sky.
The 23-year-old, who won the British Time Trial Championship and a stage of the Tour of Britain this year, says the Games are now his main priority.
"There's not a lot else that matters than making that team," he said.
"My race programme early next year needs to include a lot more longer races so I can be a safe bet for helping Mark Cavendish in the Olympic road race.
"By being a part of that also gives me the chance to race the time trial."
Time-trial specialist Dowsett admitted he was surprised how quickly he had been able to settle into the elite level of the sport, alongside the likes of Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins.
During his maiden season he recorded eight top-three placings for his team.
He was well aware, however, there were areas where he would need to improve in order to compete at his home games.
"I've come out of the year knowing I've got a lot of things to work on, particularly my climbing," he added.
"I showed in [the recent Tour of] Beijing that my climbing just isn't good enough yet, so that's something I need to work on over the winter."
Alex Dowsett is one of BBC Essex's 13 featured athletes as part of 'Olympic Dreams' in the build-up to London 2012.
