Killeen shows early season form

After a second place finish behind Roger Hammond (Team High Road) at the British cyclo-cross national championships this weekend, mountain biker Liam Killeen has just one goal in mind: to make the Olympic Games.

"Obviously to come second in the sprint is a bit frustrating, but I was pleased with how the race went," said Killeen to the Worcester News. "I felt strong and it took me a couple of laps to work my way to the front, but once I was there, I felt quite comfortable."

Althought Sutton Park is one of his favorite races, he continued, "Roger is a super sprinter and it was always going to be a tough task - there's always next year. I only do a handful of 'cross races each season, but the National Championships were a goal of mine."

With 'cross nationals in the books, the Team Specialized Factory Racing member will focus on making the British Olympic Team. His other career goal is to win a World Championship according to his website www.liamkilleen.com. Killeen finished 44th at the Worlds in Fort William in September, but the rider was just making his return to competition after battling a virus for much of the season.