Liam Phillips has vowed to enjoy racing in the rainbow jersey this year ahead of the opening UCI BMX Supercross World Cup of the season on home soil in Manchester.
Phillips claimed his maiden World Cup win at the exact same event last year – a performance that was to kick-start a fine season for the 25-year-old two-time Olympian.
He went on to become the first Brit to win the elite men’s World Championship title in 12 years before ranking third overall in the World Cup series.
Phillips now has the honour of racing this season in the world champion’s rainbow jersey but isn’t prepared to allow that to bring with it any extra pressure.
“It’s very different coming into this season from last season,” Phillips told British Cycling. “This year it is different in the sense that I’m wearing that rainbow jersey.
“I work extremely hard away from the track and I know I’m able to compete at this level. For me it’s about going out and doing my thing and enjoying the occasion.
“For me it’s just a massive honour to race in front of a home crowd with the best athletes coming to race here in Manchester on a track that I train at every day.”
© Sportsbeat 2014