Olympic athletes Aileen McGlynn OBE, Fiona Duncan, Neil Fachie and Craig MacLean will head to Newport, Wales this weekend to compete at the International Para-cycling cup.

The three day event runs from Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December and promises to attract a strong international line up with some world class racing, with Scottish athletes looking to set qualification standards for the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2014.

Gary Coltman, Scottish Cycling’s head of performance said: “Next year presents a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of our elite athletes, to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games on home soil.

Our athletes have been training hard, and are in good shape. They are all very much looking forward to the competition and will be targeting qualification standards as well as aiming for the podium in all of their events.”

Multiple gold medallist McGlynn will be piloted by Fiona Duncan whilst Duncan’s Cycling Club team mate Neil Fachie will be piloted by Craig MacLean. Also making their international debut will be Team Thompsons Cycles pairing Laura Cluxton and pilot Lyndsey Carson.

Neil Fachie, who claimed gold at the Paralympics at London 2012 last summer said: “We don’t have very many events, unfortunately, but this weekend is a pretty key event for us as we approach Glasgow 2014 next summer. Our form is really good and it is a great line up we will face, so we will finally get to see how we are doing. I’m sure we will do well.”

“We are expecting to get the qualification time to make Team Scotland for Glasgow 2014, which should be comfortable, and then there is really no alternative to winning really. I’m sure if we didn’t win we would be disappointed.”

The Newport International Para-cycling Cup coincides with the 10th anniversary of Wales National Velodrome, and is anticipated to attract some of the world’s top Para-cyclists from around the world.

You can follow Neil on Twitter @neilfachie

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