JAMES LOWSLEY-WILLIAMS has been given a massive boost in his bid to break into the Team GB cycling team by picking up sponsorship from estate agents Savills.

Lowsley-Williams, 22, lives in Chavenage near Tetbury, and is hopeful of earning a place on the plane to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He turned pro in 2008 and has trained since at Newport Velodrome, competing in the top cycling road races around the country.

In February, James joined the Not For The Ordinary (NFTO) cycling team, which after a string of race victories in 2013 has gained professional status for the 2014 season.

James said: “Sport is my life and from an early age I’ve been an active sportsman.

“My goal is to be an Olympic gold medallist for the British team at Rio in 2016. After that, I hope to win the yellow jersey in the Tour de France.

"I know I am setting my sights high, but that’s the way it works. Between now and then there will be a lot of work, sacrifice and focus. But it’s all worth it.”

Andrew Main, head of regional business development at Savills, said: “The UK is one of the best countries in the world for cycling and it is important that a new generation of young athletes are given every opportunity to help maintain and build upon that coveted reputation.

“James is one of the up-and-coming prospects and thanks to his talent, drive and passion, he has a very strong shot at becoming part of the British team.

"As such, we’re delighted to play our part in helping a local sportsman realise his ambitions to take gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.”