Strathpeffer cyclist Finn Crockett says representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is a dream come true
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Cyclist Finn Crockett says making Scotland's Commonwealth Games squad has been an ambition five years in the making.
The Strathpeffer athlete has been named in the Scotland cycling squad which will compete at Birmingham in August.
The 22-year-old, who has just completed his degree in marketing and French at the University of Stirling, will be competing in the road race and time trial.
Ever since first competing in road racing at 17, Crockett says he set himself a target to be selected for his country at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
His hard work and dedication has paid off after receiving the call-up, which was officially announced this week.
"It genuinely is a dream come true," says Crockett.
"Five years ago I made long term goals for my cycling career.
"By the end of my time at university, I wanted to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.
"It is unreal that I have been called up and I am over the moon to be selected."
Crockett originally competed in mountain biking before taking up road racing towards the end of his teenage years.
He was a member of Square Wheels Cycling Club and Ben Wyvis Cycling Club before going on to compete with road racing teams.
"I started mountain biking around the end of primary school and I went on to compete in the 24 hour endurance race Strathpuffer," he said.
"But when I was 17, I turned to road racing as I wanted to try something new.
"I joined a Scottish development squad called Spokes Racing Team, they focus on helping under-18 cyclists to get them out there on the British scene, where I had some great experiences.
"Then I raced for Wheelbase Cabtech Catelli and then Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling and things have gone on from there."
Crockett has had an impressive season which has led to his Scotland call up.
He says representing his country at the Commonwealth Games in August will be the highlight of his career so far and hopefully the benchmark which leads to bigger things in the future.
"It is my proudest moment as getting the call up is awesome," he said.
"I had a good season and had a big win earlier this year which saw me selected for the Commonwealth Games.
"It has been a good start to the year, and hopefully that continues in Birmingham.
"Who knows what it will lead to, but hopefully it will lead to good things."
Crockett has been inundated with messages of congratulations from family and friends back in Strathpeffer.
He is expecting a strong contingent from the Highlands to travel down to Birmingham to support him in the summer.
"It has been nice with people putting up comments who have supported me through the years.
"It all started with them, I would not be where I am without them. "Especially Square Wheels and Ben Wyvis Cycling Club who helped me out for a few years."
Crockett is not looking to come away from the Games empty handed either, as he has high ambitions and targeting a place on the podium.
"I'm not going to lie, of course i'm targeting a medal," admitted Crockett.
"I am targeting the road race, and in a race, anything can happen.
"The road race is a circuit and I think we will do 12 laps, we will be doing recon of the course closer to the event.
"The course does suit me for the style of racing it is and I will hopefully represent Scotland and the Highlands well at Birmingham."
