BMX star Laurence Mapp is set to take on the UK s best riders for a place at this year s Olympic Games in Beijing. Mapp, who has been a member of Royston Rockets for the past 17 years, impressed in Sunday s seventh round of the National Summer Series in

BMX star Laurence Mapp is set to take on the UK's best riders for a place at this year's Olympic Games in Beijing.

Mapp, who has been a member of Royston Rockets for the past 17 years, impressed in Sunday's seventh round of the National Summer Series in Hartlepool and in taking the overall win in the Elite Class secured his place at the Olympic trials.

Mapp was due to join up with fellow trialists and GB riders Marcus Bloomfield and Kelvin Batey and Olympic Academy rider Liam Phillips today (Thursday) in Aigle, Switzerland.

The 23-year-old said: "It's very exciting and it's all happened very quickly. It feels really good to be part of the trials. It's a very proud moment for me, and I'm going there to do my best."

Switzerland is the home of the sport's headquarters, with Aigle housing a replica of the track which will be used in Beijing.

Mapp will be involved in a two-day practice session, before competing in a five-race programme of time trial, three motos, and a final.

The final selection will be based on a points system, with riders rewarded for their performances in all five events.

Mapp said: "There's only one spot up for grabs, so it's going to be very difficult.

"It doesn't get much better than representing your country at the Olympics."

BMX will be making its first appearance at the games.

Mapp said: "It's a big year for BMX, and to be part of its first involvement at the games would be unbelievable.

"To be the first BMX rider to represent Great Britain at the Olympics would be some achievement."

Rockets official Phil Townsend said: "Whatever happens it will be a great experience for him and if he stays in the sport he'll definitely be a contender for London 2012.

"We've watched him develop from a youngster who just loved to ride his bike to a polished senior performer. He's a great example to any young rider."

The seventh round of the National Summer Series saw The Rockets' produce a number of impressive performances with Kele Newall taking second spot in the six and under class final and Josh Peters claiming third place in the seven year class final.

Ethan Vernon maintained his challenge for the overall title in the eight year class final with a confident win, while Aaron Dalleywater finished third in the nine year class final.