LONDON 2012 is the target for Laurence Mapp, after the Royston Rockets racer missed out on a place at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing. Having travelled to Aigle in Switzerland for a two day trial, Mapp was told by the British Cycling Olympic pan

LONDON 2012 is the target for Laurence Mapp, after the Royston Rockets racer missed out on a place at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.

Having travelled to Aigle in Switzerland for a two day trial, Mapp was told by the British Cycling Olympic panel on Tuesday night that he had not made the cut.

The 23-year-old told The Crow: "I am obviously disappointed, but it was an amazing experience. At the start of the season I would never have thought I would be trying out for the Olympic squad, so it's been very memorable.

"I did my best, and considering the other three riders are all full-time, I did really well to get as far as I did.

"It's given me a lot of confidence and I'm determined to be back again for the 2012 Olympics."

Full-time Lottery-funded rider Liam Phillips, 19, of Burnham BMX Club was selected. Phillips and female qualifier, Shanaze Reade will be the first British BMX riders to take part at the Games, with the sport making its debut.

Rockets chairman Phil Townsend said: "Laurence has done extremely well, and despite missing out, he presented himself well to the UCI and BC officials and they were impressed with his attitude and dedication. Come 2012 he could well be at the top of his form!"

Meanwhile the club held the seventh round of the East Anglia BMX Summer Series at its track in Burns Road.

With 27 host riders competing, the club's newest member Zak Blanche-Drammeh started well by securing third place in the seven and under novice class. Fellow newcomer AJ Tait took second place in the novice 11-14 year class.

Alfie Salmon claimed fourth spot in the six year class, ahead of Louis Forman who finished seventh, while Josh Peters came first in the seven year class A Final, with James King and Ted Dalleywater taking second and third respectively. Archie York finished seventh.

The eight year class A Final saw Ethan Vernon take another fine win ahead of Daniel Blanche in second. Aaron Dalleywater took another victory in the nine year class A Final, with Bradan Blanche sixth.

In the 10 year class Ethan Lewis was just edged into third place, with Zak Forman finishing fifth and Matthew Harris in eighth.

More success looked likely in the 12 year class with Louis Burton, but he was suffered a heavy fall in practice, having to go to hospital, which also ruled out dad, Phil Burton, from the 40+ cruiser class.

Aston Blanche added another Royston win in the 13 year class, with James Handleigh in second place, while in the 14 class Ben Gutteridge finished fourth. In the 15 year class Anthony Taylor claimed second spot, while in the 16-year class Wayne Gutteridge just missed out on the win after being edged into third.

James Dalleywater claimed third place in the 16-29 cruiser class, as did Danny Ancell in the 30-39 cruiser class. Another third spot followed for Darren Forman in the Masters (30+) class.

In the final races of the day Lee Alexander finished eighth in the 17+ class, while Laurence Mapp raced to first place in the Superclass event.

For more information visit the website: www.roystonrockets.co.uk