BURNHAM BMX ace Liam Phillips has been backed to compete in the London 2012 Olympics by the sport's world champion.

Shanaze Reade, who won BMX gold in 2007, 2008 and 2010, believes Liam, 21, can set the event alight like she did three years ago in Beijing.

Liam, of Rectory Road, also made it to the 2008 Olympics but faltered at the quarter-final stage. Shanaze insists though he can put in a better showing in London in 18 months.

Shanaze, who has known Liam since he was ten, said: “When BMX wasn't in the Olympics he was pretty much the figurehead, he was the kid that would go to Europe and really step up.

“He is a really good team member to have on board and I think he will be a good strong threat come the Olympics.”

Liam is currently nursing an injured wrist and elbow - picked up while in America and just over a month away from the first World Cup of the season in South Africa.

But Shanaze does not think the setback will get the better of him. She added: “He will get over it because mentally his mind set is very good and hopefully he will step up to the plate and be up there with me in London.”

Meanwhile, the British Olympic BMX team visited the home of Burnham BMX club in Apex Park last week to get in some practice ahead of upcoming competitions.

Shanaze Reade, a proud Stripe and BMX World Champion and Track Cycling Champion, is playing her way to London 2012 with Cadbury Spots v Stripes.