The GWR Cycling Team officially began their 2008 campaign with a launch and presentation at the Steam Museum this week.

The eight-man squad showed off their new team bikes, supplied by Giant, at the ceremony hosted by Eurosport commentator David Harmon.

Last year saw the team in their second season take 25 victories with a further 63 top-five placings across the country, which ranked them 12th nationally from almost 500 teams at the conclusion of the season.

With the new bikes already being put through their paces, the four newcomers, Alexander King, Peter Dibben, Sam Redding and Llewellyn Kinch have already commenced their racing programme with some excellent results, while Peter Kench, Dan Smith, Nic Tilling and Jon Pain will open their campaign in the coming weeks.

King and Dibben contest the final round of the Revolution track series at Manchester before a trip to Belgium for the prestigious Kuurne Classic Junior race in early March.

Towards the end of the month they will be joined by Redding as they contest the Martyn Ashfield two day, the first in the season -long National Junior Series, which will feature prominently throughout their 2008 programme.

The senior riders will use various road race and time trial events as competitive training as they build up for the early season programme which includes the Castle Combe Easter Classic and Ham Hill Road Race.

Giant representative Rob Lyne said: "We are very happy to be involved with the GWR Team, especially with the new direction and being able to support several very good junior riders."

With immense potential already being shown by newcomers this season, 2008 promises to be an exciting year for the GWR Team supported by Scott Wilson Railways, META Sports Performance & Training, Sport Beans, Continental Tyres, GWR FM, Giant UK, Swindon Cycles Superstore, CyclePowerMeters.com, Easton and Bioracer.

For more information on the GWR Team visit: www.gwrteam.com