Lara Nyman has been identified as one of three British sportswomen as potential cycling contenders for 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Nyman, 18, was recognised by Paul Manning, who collected a full set of Olympic cycling medals with the men's team pursuit between 2000 and 2008.

Now working with British Cycling women's endurance squad towards London 2012, he identified Nyman (right) following a selection process that was fairly quick from initial interest in September, through to physiological testing which showed how well she rode on a static bike, to sprinting and endurance tests.

The youngest of the three women and now only one of three on TASS scholarship from British Cycling, Nyman is the current European Under 20 sprint triathlon silver medallist and former national champion in both the ASA National Age Group 1,500m Open Water Swimming Championships and British National Youth Duathlon Championships.

Nyman said: "I'm really enjoying the programme. It has given me a new challenge and re-activated my interest in cycling."

She now faces the challenge of balancing her university studies with hectic new training schedule that involves time riding, both on and off road, on the track plus training sessions as well as working on her fitness.