The rider from Burnham-on-Sea will take part as BMX makes its debut on the Olympic programme.

 

Phillips said: "It's a great honour to represent my country and to be doing so as part of such a successful team as GB Cycling.

 

"It's also fantastic to be part of BMX's Olympic debut and I hope my taking part will help make the sport more popular.”

 

Dave Brailsford, British Cycling's performance director, said: “Liam’s selection completes one of the strongest national cycling teams ever assembled for an Olympic Games.

 

"The GB Cycling Team will compete in cycling every discipline in Beijing: track, road, mountain and BMX.

 

“The inclusion of BMX into the Olympic programme for the first time is very exciting.

 

"We believe it will bring many more young people into the sport and we look forward to it being part of the London 2012 Games.”

 

Britain's Shanaze Reade is the favourite for the gold medal in the women's BMX event.