Liam Phillips has become the latest BMX rider to attempt to make the transition to the track.

Former BMX world champion Jamie Staff swapped the dirt for the boards and went on to win Beijing Olympic team sprint gold with Sir Chris Hoy and Jason Kenny before retiring in March 2010 to head up the United States’ track programme.

Three-time world BMX champion Shanaze Reade also has two track team sprint world titles to her name with Victoria Pendleton.

And Phillips, who won silver in the Copenhagen round of the 2010 UCI BMX Supercross, will now train with the track programme having shown the power output potential to bid for the ‘man one’ position in the men’s team sprint.

“Over the past few years, I’ve sustained numerous injuries which have left me unable to train on the BMX track for significant periods of time,” said Phillips.

“Turning to track has meant that I receive a solid block of training with opportunities to compete at a high level which means I’m not missing out on the competition experience.

“And let’s face it – this has to be one of the best environments in the world of cycling to train in.”

The 22-year-old will now target July’s Under-23 European Track Championships in Portugal, before setting his sights on the elite squad for the 2011/2012 World Cup season and beyond.

Head coach Shane Sutton added: “BMX requires powerful acceleration from a standing start which mirrors what’s required from the man mne rider in the team sprint.

“Like Jamie Staff before him, Liam has proved he is powerful enough to bring the rest of the team up to pace within the first lap. With that in mind it is certainly worth bringing him into the squad to take a closer look, whilst keeping the door open for Liam to continue his BMX career.”