AFTER being discovered by Scottish cycling on a development programme cyclist Joe Agnew is going global in his bid to gain a Scottish title later this year, writes Zoe Daniel.

The 18-year-old from Oxton who cycles with Edinburgh Road Club has been competing in hill climbs, time trails, road races and track racing alongside his competitive events for more than three years.

This year Agnew, who specialises in both road and cross-country cycling, is moving up an age-group to the under 23s and with this, the pressure for success is greater than ever.

The teenager admits the mental struggles he faces are as tough as the races. He stated: “I think the biggest challenges is how I am with myself, mentally.

"I think confidence is a crucial part of it.

"If you don't believe in yourself, you wont go anywhere. You got to be pretty confident that you can get over the final hill."

Agnew is currently gearing up for the prestigious four day international Tour of the North over in Ulster.

Following the tour he heads for the Union Cycliste Internationale races in Denmark and a week long stage Ras de Cymru in Wales.

The gruelling schedule continues when he returns to the Borders in October as he attempts to win the Scottish Hill Cycling title at the Stow.

Joe, who has been racing for the past three years, was quick to pass on advice to any young cyclists who want to follow in his slipstream.

The former athletics sprinter added: “I think there is a lot of people who have got knowledge of cycling even in the Borders and and everyone I've ever met has been willing to help.

“For someone just starting out, I learned that if you ask you'll learn a lot more a lot quicker, you'll get places a lot quicker in racing.

"It's not an easy sport but the rewards are definitely worth it if it’s what you want to do.

"My main aim of the year is to win on home roads but getting to where I am now from where I started is quite an achievement in itself.”