Several Manx or Isle of Man-based riders has been selected by Great Britain for this summer’s 2018 UEC European Cycling Championships in Glasgow.

The annual event takes place in Scotland between August 2-12 and will feature men’s and women’s road races and time trials, as well as various track events which do not feature any local riders.

After dropping out of the Tour de France last week, Mark Cavendish leads a strong Isle of Man contingent in the men’s events alongside Mark Christian, Onchan resident Ben Swift and former Castletown man Ian Stannard.

The island’s golden girls - Trek Drops duo Anna Christian and Lizzie Holden - had been longlisted to line up for Great Britain in the women’s events, but unfortunately the duo were not included in the final seclection.

Men’s team - Adam Blythe, Mark Cavendish, Mark Christian, Owain Doull, Luke Rowe Ian Stannard, Ben Swift and Scott Thwaites.

Speaking after his selection was confirmed, Cav commented: ’I’m looking forward to the European Championships and racing in a British jersey again.

’Glasgow is pretty special to me as it’s where I won the National Road Race Championships in 2013, and the home-crowd support is always an amazing experience.

’I think we’ve got a strong team, I know the lads well from racing with them before, and we’ll give it our all on race day.’

Roger Hammond, former professional rider and current sports director for Cav’s Team Dimension Data, will take on the role of directeur sportif for the men’s team at the championships.

Stephen Park, British Cycling’s performance director said: ’We were really pleased with the number of professional road riders who put their hands up to represent their country at the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

’We took the decision to make the final selection for the road and time trial events later, as obviously we are in the midst of a busy road racing season at all levels and a lot can change.

’I’m pleased to be able to welcome Roger onto the staffing team for this event and I’d like to thank him for the time he’s committing to us. Roger brings a wealth of experience to our road squad, and I am confident he will provide good direction and input to the riders in the men’s road team in Glasgow.

’Taking a view of the whole team, we’ve selected a strong squad with some genuine medal prospects in each of the cycling disciplines. I’m looking forward to seeing the team compete in what promises to be a great event.’