A SOUTH Lakeland cyclist's impressive performance at the 'junior Tour de France' has earned him a call up to represent his country at this week's Tour of Great Britain.

Levens' James Knox was eight in the general classification of the nine-stage Tour de l'Avenir which drew to a conclusion last week.

In a strong field pitting many of the world's strongest u23 cyclists, Knox went into the final stage from Bourg-St-Maurice to Albiez-Montrond in the French Alps with the King of the Mountains jersey on his back.

"It was the longest race I've ever done and it was a unique challenge," said Knox, 21. "On the first mountain stage I finished second which was a big surprise and a great achievement so I was starting to think of an overall podium. At the time I was quite disappointed to slip back to eighth overall but on reflection I'm really happy with how it went and it opened the door for the Tour of Britain."

Last Wednesday, Knox received the call to say he would indeed be donning the Great Britain jersey at the Tour of Britain which got under way on Sunday with the first stage from Edinburgh to Kelso.

By Friday, riders will have completed eight stages and reached the finishing line in Cardiff.

"I'm really happy to be taking part, I've never done the Tour of Britain before," said Knox. "I'm just a bit gutted that it's not coming through Kendal this year, but I can't wait to get stuck in.

"I've had a good look at the route and it's maybe not at hilly as I'd like but stage seven from Hemel Hempstead to Cheltenham is the hilliest and the one I've singled out as my best opportunity to get towards the front of the race.

"Obviously riding for GB it's a great team and I might be needed in service to other guys and the standard of racing is far higher here with some major professional teams like Team Sky.

"I'm going to struggle to get among those guys but it will be a really good learning experience."