COMMONWEALTH Games silver and bronze medallist Becky James has become the latest sporting star to join the search for future Olympians with an aptitude for speed and power.

Welsh Cycling has joined forces with the UK Talent Team in launching 'Power2Podium', the latest in a series of successful talent identification schemes, and Abergavenny's Becky James is throwing her support behind the cause.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without people believing in me and what I could achieve, so I think the Power2Podium programme is a really exciting opportunity for anyone out there with raw talent just waiting to be spotted.

"Welsh women and men could be just a few tests away from following in my footsteps; being able to focus purely on achieving their dreams to compete for GB at an Olympic Games and Wales at a Commonwealth Games. I'd strongly urge anyone that is gifted with power and speed to apply; you never know where it may take you!"

The talent search is targeting sportsmen and women between the ages of 15 and 26 that possess the speed, power and talent to potentially represent GB at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Power2Podium will use the latest sports science and technology, along with coaching expertise, to test sporting potential and look to uncover the next generation of athletes in the predominantly speed and power sports of athletics, rugby sevens, bobsleigh and skeleton, canoeing, weightlifting and sprint cycling. Applicants are being invited to sign up at http://www.uksport.gov.uk/talent">www.uksport.gov.uk/talent.