South Harrow cyclist Niall Dawkins admits he can’t wait to take to the capital’s streets for this year’s Prudential RideLondon Youth Grand Prix.

The talented 15-year-old has been selected in a squad of ten to represent the East Midlands region at next month’s annual Prudential RideLondon.

The criterium race – over a two kilometre circuit around St James’s Park in central London – forms part of the world’s greatest festival of cycling over the weekend of August 1-2.

Dawkins will take centre stage on the Saturday in the boy’s event, battling against regional teams from around the country to take top honours.

And while the likes of four-time Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins and sprinter Mark Cavendish will be drawing the fans the following day, Durham, a rider for Hillingdon Slipstreamers, is looking forward to giving the crowds an early treat first up.

“I’m really pumped for this year’s Prudential RideLondon Youth Grand Prix,” said Dawkins, who attends Rooks Heath College.

“It’s the coolest event of the year and it’s the first time I would have done it.

“I’d quite like to win but it will be about working as a team. I’ve been training hard with them to make sure we’re in the best position.

“We’ve got quite a strong team, we know each other well and are good friends.

“It’s going to be really good fun and a great experience.

“I started riding when I was seven and then competitively when I was eight. I just really enjoy it.”

The Youth Grand Prix is just one of a number of separate events taking place over the weekend with the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle, Surrey 100, Surrey Classic, Handcycle Classic and 10th Brompton World Championship providing plenty of entertainment.

And Dawkins believes such enthusiasm for cycling has been helped massively by the country hosting the Olympics three years ago.

“Since the Olympics, there was a real boom in memberships at the club,” he added.

“There’s still a huge demand now for the club and that’s a real positive legacy from the Olympics.

“It was great to have it in our country and has really helped inspire people to do cycling.”

Prudential RideLondon takes place on 1-2 August 2015. Prudential is proud to support people’s ambitions. Visit www.pru.co.uk