High Wycombe cyclist George Clark’s maiden year competing at under-23 level could hardly have followed a more serene path.

The 18-year-old started the season looking to compete in Europe, claim some personal bests and ultimately qualify for the World Amateur Time Trial Championships (WATTC).

All of these targets have been met and Clark is understandably content with the seamless transition he has made to the older age group.

“I made a strong start. I had some good results at national races and soon found how tough it was going to be competing at a higher level,” Clark explains.

“It is a step up for me and they [Clark’s competition] have had a few more years of development and strength in their legs.

“This year was about learning and maybe not so much about results, so to be able to get some positive ones as well has been great.”

The highlight of Clark’s year to date has undoubtedly been qualifying for the WATTC after an impressive display at the Tour of Cambridge.

Clark qualified for the September event, which takes place in Perth, Australia in September, as the fastest under-19 and could scarcely believe his achievement.

“The tour of Cambridge was always a big target for me as it was the qualifier for the worlds and it was great to do so well,” he said.

“I had to double check that I had qualified and I was just over the moon really. To have achieved one of the big targets of the year makes all the work worthwhile.

“It [the WATTC] will be a UCI race and it will definitely be the biggest event I have been involved in so far, so I am looking forward to it.”

The Catford CC rider now has a busy summer ahead as he prepares for the trip to Australia, starting with a tour of Wales this week, and he says he is looking forward to the hard work.

He said: “I will be training and competing between now and September. I will be working on a lot of leg speed training and will spend a lot of time on the time trial bike.”