WIGGINTON cycling star Phil Brighton is to test his pedal power to the limits after being selected for England for the European Road Championships on the Isle of Man in July.

The 32-year-old science technician has been invited to ride in the Masters 'A' category of the championships and will tackle over two laps of the world famous TT circuit around the island.

But although the race will largely represent an increase in standard than he has previously encountered and will certainly contain more hill-climbs than he would like, the opportunity to take on some of Europe's elite was too good to turn down.

"It will be a big step up for me," Brighton told the Evening Press.

"We should all be about the same standard, as we will be similar ages and abilities, but you do get some of the old professionals, around about 33-year-old, who have just retired taking part.

"The problem for me will be the distance and the track. I believe that the circuit is quite lumpy and there are a couple of climbs, but I will be heading up to the North Yorkshire Moors to do some extra training.

"I am more of a sprint rider so I tend to stick to the flatter competitions. It makes sense as you have to stick to what your strengths are, but I am prepared to put in the extra training for this."

Despite the overall increase in class, Brighton, who is in top form in the saddle this season, remains quietly confident about his chances when the race starts on July 25 even if he retains an initial air of pessimism.

"I tend to be a pessimist when it comes to predictions," he said. "It is the European Championships so there are obviously going to be some very good riders from across Europe there, so if I can finish in the top half of the field I would class that as a pleasing result - I would be happy with that.

"However, to be European champion would be a dream come true."

Brighton, who cycles on average 50 miles a day, has been backed by Ceejay Graphics, Samson & Delilah fitness centres and Askham Bryan College to take part in the event.

Brighton underlined his recent good form by winning the Clayton Velo circuit race series in Lancaster.

Brighton who has had the overall lead from the first event which he won on March 22, marked his closest rivals Ryan Bonser (GS Surosa) and former professional Gary Sadler (Wheelbase) in the final event.

While three riders broke away from the 40-strong bunch, they were no threat to Brighton's overall lead.

The York rider showed his class by winning the bunch sprint for fourth place, increasing his lead on Bonser.

Then, in the 72-mile Cleveland Couriers Road event at

Stokesley, he spent much of the race towards the rear of the large strung-out bunch partly due to his dislike of wet weather.

As conditions dried, Brighton moved to the front with one lap to go before proving his reputation as a sprinter by coming out of a bunch finish to claim sixth place.

Said Brighton: "I was a lazy so-and-so and spent most of the time chatting to friends at the back of the bunch, but if you are a sprinter that's the way you have to play it."

Updated: 11:56 Saturday, April 26, 2003