Julia Shaw added to England's Commonwealth Games squad

Domestic time trial star Julia Shaw has been added to England's cycling squad for the Commonwealth Games next month.

The full-time research scientist, 44, has been rewarded for her superb performances against the clock this season by being selected to ride the individual time trial in the Games to be held in New Delhi, India between October 3-14.

Following up her victories in the National 10, 25 and 50 mile title races, Shaw came second in the national time trial championships in Llandeilo, South Wales on Sunday coming just 19 seconds behind Olympic silver medallist and full time professional Emma Pooley over the 32km course.

In securing second place, the Utag Yamaha rider also beat Wendy Houvenaghel, Beijing silver medallist in the individual pursuit and Pooley's Cervelo teammate Sharon Laws.

Laws and Pooley had both been selected in England's original women's road team for the Games along with Lizzie Armitstead, Lucy Martin, Katie Colclough and Emma Trott.

There are of course precedents for success by more, shall we say, mature riders. France's ‘grandmother of cycling' Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli, has Olympic gold and 13 world titles to her credit and, at the age of 51, is still performing at the highest level, winning her 9th French time trial title back in June. 

Shaw is likely to face Longo-Ciprelli in the Chrono Champenois in France this weekend.