Cyclist Ellie Russell may have tasted success at the British Cycling Youth and Junior National Track Championships this month, but insists the upcoming School Games is one of the highlights of her season – because her family will be there to watch.

The 15-year-old came out on top in the 500m time trial two weeks ago at the Derby Arena after sitting fourth for much of the race, and her added steely determination is what, she says, sets her apart from the rest.

The School Games will see around 1,600 of the nation’s finest young sports stars compete across 12 current and future Olympic and Paralympic sports – seven of which include disability competition – at Loughborough University on September 1-4.

A high-performance event for elite youth athletes and a key step on the road to senior success for Team GB’s next generation of athletes, the School Games is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.

And after crashing on track last year, Russell is desperate to bounce back and lift the trophy in front of her nearest and dearest.

“The School Games are big. I am really looking forward to it. I love it. I live quiet near to it and so my family will be able to go which will be nice because they do so much for me,” she said.

“Preparations are going really well. I have just had an amazing week at the Track Championships and that has filled me with confidence.

“I need to get back on my road bike now and get it ready for the School Games, because I will be competing in the Road Race.

“The National Championships went well and I was on the podium all week, but now it is time to start focusing on the School Games – which is a big part of the season.”

The School Games is supported by a range of partners including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England, Youth Sport Trust, Department of Health, British Paralympic Association and Leicestershire and Rutland Sport, with the multi-sport event seen as one of the annual highlights for school-age elite athletes.

And Russell is desperate to bounce back from her disappointment of a year ago – where she crashed on track in her first race.

“I hope to win in the road race – that is the big one. I did the track one last year which was an awesome experience,” she added.

“I crashed in race one when my chain came off so I am looking for redemption.

“I have just had a few days rest after the British Championships so I am looking forward to getting back on my bike and going from there.”

The 2016 School Games tickets are now on sale. To book your place to support the athletes and the Games please head to http://www.2016schoolgames.com/tickets