Norway cyclist Susanne Andersen determined to succeed in Glasgow

The 20-year-old came from nowhere to finish seventh in last autumn's World Championship road race and she is confident she can continue her good form in Glasgow.

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Cycling prodigy Susanne Andersen (NOR) is convinced her team will be among the medals in Sunday's Women's Road Race at the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

The 20-year-old, whose teenage years ended only a couple of weeks ago, came from nowhere to finish seventh in last autumn's World Championship road race in her home city of Bergen.

And she is convinced that either she or one of her team-mates will finish in the top three in Glasgow.

"I was seventh at the World Championships in September, which was incredible for me. It was really nice to deliver a result like that on home soil. It wasn't far from where I live so it was special to perform so well," Andersen said.

"That gives me the confidence that I can do really well in Glasgow. I think that our team can deliver a medal if everything goes smoothly and if my sprint goes well. I definitely think I can sprint to a medal."

Andersen believes she is reaching her peak at exactly the right time following a shaky beginning to the 2018 season.

"This year I had a bad start to the season because of some issues and it took me a little while to get going. But by the time I competed in the Tour of Flanders in April, I finally felt that I was doing really well again," she explained.

"I've been spending a lot of time in altitude, along with my team-mates. I've been doing really well in training and I think I am in good shape for this European Championships' race.

"I am only 20 years old and I have progressed very quickly. I really like the look of the Glasgow course. It's very tough and you really have to work because there are a lot of corners and it's up and down. I think it will suit me quite well. I'm in my second year as a pro and I've been riding with Team Hi-Tec for two years now."

She cited parental influence as the reason for her developing into the hottest young talent on the circuit.

"My family have always been my motivation and it was my father Steen who bought me my first bike and we have been training together since I was 10 years old. He was my first coach as well. He has always pushed me very hard and it is paying off," she said.