A talented Airdrie schoolgirl has been picked for Great Britain's junior cycling road and track team.
Talented Eilidh Shaw was selected as part of the squad which is historically linked to developing young athletes into world and Olympic athletes.
The dedicated 17-year-old cyclist, who lives with parents Yvonne and Scott and younger brother Struan, has been passionate about cycling since she first took it up at the tender age of seven.
A delighted Eilidh told Lanarkshire Live : “I’m excited to be part of the Great Britain cycling road and track junior team as part of their rider route within Team GB.
“From a really young age I was into loads of sports. I did a bit of everything swimming, running, netball and karate.
“One summer when I was about seven, me and my family decided to take the bikes on a holiday with us to France to try something a bit different and haven’t been off the bike since.”
An S6 pupil at Airdrie Academy, Eilidh says she is inspired by Olympic and World Champion cyclists, Katie Archibald and Neah Evans, as well as XC rider Evie Richards.
She told us : “I’ve always looked up to Katie and Neah.
"They are multiple Olympic and World Champions that come from Scotland making big goals seem more reachable.
“And Evie also really inspires me simply because of her love for the sport. Always smiling and having great fun on the bike. I love watching her race.”
And the talented young cyclist explains how cycling has helped her in all aspects of her life so far.
She told us: “I learn loads on the bike when training and racing like focus, drive and commitment.
"But cycling has been a great way for me to understand my wellbeing, opening up amazing opportunities and my appreciation for what I enjoy.”
And parents Yvonne and Scott are brimming with pride of Eilidh's achievements.
Yvonne told us : “We are both very proud of Eilidh and what she has achieved so far.
“She is loving it and it has opened up so many opportunities for her.”
And in response to her selection a representative from the school told us: "Airdrie Academy are very proud of Eilidh’s achievements.
“She has shown great determination and passion for her sport over the years and the school will continue to support her in any way that we can.”
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