...after being selected for Britain's European Championship squad.

The experienced British number one will travel to St Wendel in Germany for the event on May 18 - and has fond memories of the course after finishing second there as an Under-23 rider back in 1997.

Copnall stormed to victory in the first round of the British Championships early last month, but admits she was 'pleasantly surprised' by her Euro selection.

Speaking to the Herald this week, Copnall confirmed she is focused on setting a new personal best at the event.

She said: "They (selectors) had not made it clear what the selection process was and I didn't expect a female rider to be named as part of the squad.

"I'm not complaining though and am really looking forward to it. I have raced at the Euros four or five times in the past and have usually finished in the top 30; my goal this time round is a top 25."

The 32-year-old rider's pre-season training was interrupted by a heavy cold this season - and despite her win at the British champs - Copnall was unable to race competitively at World Cup events in Belgium and Germany at the end of April.

Although technically adept, the rider believes that - in addition to the holes in her training this year - she will also be 'battling genetics' to some degree.

She added: "My engine size lets me down to some extent, but St Wendal is a fair course and I will look to make up time on the technical sections.

There are definitely a few holes in my armour after missing so much training, but I won the British race and things are looking good. I will now try and mix up my training to make sure I'm ready."