Girlfriend key to success of Games hopeful Andy

He may be a champion cyclist, but Wolverhampton's Andy Tennant is "a bit geeky" according to the girlfriend whom he met at a cycling club.

He's also "loud and bouncy", according to 20-year-old Lauren Bason. Andy, aged 25, recently back from Melbourne where he helped the men's pursuit team win gold in the World Cycling Championships, strengthening his claim for a place in the Olympics. When not racing he enjoys nothing better than relaxing at home in Manchester, with Lauren.

The couple met at Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club and have been together for almost four years.

Andy says: "Lauren looks after me basically. She cleans up after me because I'm not the most tidy of people.

"When I'm not training I need to be resting and she is an absolute star.

"She has been a podium hostess and we have been on the podium together for The Tour of Britain and the Tour Series."

Andy's parents also play a big part in his life. Ian and Lynne Tennant live in Finchfield.

"I've got a really good relationship with my parents, I'm really close to both of them," says the former Smestow School pupil.

"I'm very grateful for the support they have given me over the years, financially they have helped me especially in my younger years when I didn't have any money. I owe a great deal to them. They have financed my dream."

Andy's success is all the more remarkable given that he underwent a heart operation at 14. It was around that time that he met Olympic champion Chris Boardman, who inspired him to become a cyclist.

"Cycling started out as a way to help me lose weight, I was rubbish at first."

Andy, who is sponsored by BMW dealer Benham Wolverhampton, will find out in June whether he has been selected for 2012.