Reade to ride in Birmingham

Olympic gold medal hopeful Shanaze Reade heads up a seven-strong selection of Great Britain Olympic Programme riders for this month's BMX World Championships in Birmingham.

Reade will be seeking a fourth supercross title in six years and is hoping to add to the time-trial world title she won in July.

She is joined in the women's event by Abbie Taylor, a member of British Cycling's BMX Academy who won the junior silver medal at last year's event.

Liam Phillips leads a men's team which also features academy riders Kyle Evans, Grant Hill, Curtis Manaton and Tre Whyte for the event at the National Indoor Arena from May 24-27.

National BMX coach Grant White said: "As this is the final major event before the Olympics, we are hoping for some strong performances from the Podium athletes (Reade and Phillips).

"For the Academy riders, we felt that a home World Championships is a fantastic opportunity for them to gain further experience against a top international field. The whole team is looking forward to having the support of a home crowd behind them at what should be a great event."