After a memorable 2015 High Wycombe Cycling Club’s George Clark would be forgiven for taking his foot off the pedal.

However, the 18-year-old, who is currently the second fastest UK Junior over 25 miles, is hoping to build on his success in 2016.

Having joined UK team Catford CC, Clark is looking to make an impact at a higher level of the sport and has clear objectives for the year ahead.

He said: “My main aim for the season is to experience riding in France and Belgium. It is completely different racing over there.

“Hopefully I can pick up some wins at National B races, and one of my biggest targets is to qualify for the Amateur Time Trial Championships in June.

“They could be held in Perth so that is a big motivation. I really just want to have a safe 2016 season where I perform well and pick up some personal best times in time trials.”

With multiple club records already under his belt, Clark has every right to back himself to perform well in a season that sees him move up to the under-23 age group for the first time.

It represents the biggest step up in his fledgling career, and while the youngster is understandably nervous about what the year holds, he is confident that working alongside Catford will allow him to prosper.

“I think if you’re not nervous something is not right. It is good to have nerves and I am definitely looking forward to it. I know if I put my mind to it and carry on training hard I’ll do well,” said Clark.

“It is a bigger age range of riders, and a lot of riders start to peak at that sort of age. I am up against World Champions so it is a massive step up.

“I feel really confident with the way training is going and I have great support from the team, so I know I can do well this year and get some good results.”

Hard work is something that Clark does not shy away from and he puts much of the success he has enjoyed down to his commitment.

That work ethic will stand him in good stead as he tries to hone a talent which was originally nurtured by his father Richard’s side.

“I got into it gradually by doing local time trials. I would get a bad time, ask my dad and coach what I needed to do to get better and they would say ‘train more’,” explained Clark.

“I owe a lot to my dad because he would take me up and down the county to compete and to Wales every Tuesday to train on the track.

“I put any success I have had down to my dedication in training which involves going out early in the morning no matter what the weather.”

The opening race of Clark’s season takes place in Belgium on Saturday, 5 March.