Three of the region's gymnasts make Team GB squad

Peterborough gymnast Louis Smith will lead Team GB's Men's Gymnastics squad at the London Olympics.

Smith, who won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 on the pommel horse, was named today with Huntingdon Gymnastics Club colleague Sam Oldham, plus Max Whitlock, who's member of the South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon.

But there's disappointment for another Huntingdon club member Daniel Keatings who has not been selected.

Speaking after today's announcement, Smith said, '“It’s unbelievable to be named as part of Team GB for London. It’s been such an intense time in the lead up to the announcement with such a strong squad to pick from.

Now we’ve got to do the business at the Games, which we’re all capable of.

“It’s just been a crazy four years since Beijing, for me and especially for gymnastics in this country.

'I’m not sure anyone ever expected such rapid development and it’s such a positive thing for everyone involved in the sport. Now we have a chance to really show how far we’ve come'.

Smith and Whitlock were part of the British team which won European gold in Montpelier, France in May. Oldham, the youngest member of the men's team, is the current reigning Youth Olympic champion in the high bar event.

Also announced today was Team GB's men's road cycling team, which includes Ian Stannard. The 25 year old was born in Chelmsford, Essex but now lives in Derbyshire.

He joins Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, who are currently competing in the Tour de France.

David Millar, who served a two year ban for a doping offence, is also included.

Speaking after his selection, Stannard said “It feels great to have been selected for my first Olympic Games, and it’s even better to know that we’ve got the support of the home crowd behind us.

'I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the race and giving Mark as much support as possible on the day.”