Philip Hindes is ready to deliver Jason Kenny and Sir Chris Hoy at speed as Great Britain seek to successfully defend their Olympic track cycling team pursuit title at the London 2012 velodrome.
The 19-year-old German-born specialist starter has the responsibility of accelerating quickly in the opening lap of the three-man, three-lap event which Kenny and Hoy won four years ago alongside Jamie Staff.
"The other guys have said just to relax and do your thing. You can't be too hyped up, but I think I handle it quite well in the (starting) gate," said Hindes, who joined British Cycling's Olympic academy programme in October 2010.
"I wasn't thinking about the Olympics when I first moved. It was at the back of my mind, I thought maybe I could make the jump but I didn't really believe it.
"It was more like a dream but everything changed over the winter and I have just improved more and more.
"I was a bit nervous coming into the team at first to ride with them (Hoy and Kenny) as they were my heroes, but you get used to it."
The team sprint is an event in which Britain have struggled since Beijing, but Hindes could be the answer.
Hindes, whose British father was stationed in Germany with the army, was part of the German system before moving to Manchester. He was a surprise selection for April's Track Cycling World Championships in Melbourne and showed promise, only to be relegated for a takeover infringement, meaning Britain missed out on a ride-off for the medals.
"In Melbourne I couldn't handle my bike and I took myself out and came over the red line," Hindes added. "I only realised when the others came over and said we were disqualified.
"I was happy with the time and I know that mistake won't happen again. I am now going faster than I have ever gone before and I feel pretty good."