Other / Alsy / 22 May 2009 / Leave a comment

As the likes of Andrew Strauss, Andy Murray and Brian O'Driscoll make all the headlines this summer, Alister Morgan considers five slighly lesser known sports stars from thes shores whose progress we should monitor.

Mark Cavendish - cycling

Ask sports fans in the UK to name one cyclist you're likely to hear Chris Hoy's name but the business end of world cycling is definitely on the roads of Europe not indoor tracks. Ask fans outside of the UK to name a British rider you'll repeatedly hear, "Mark Cavendish".

Since 2006 the 23-year-old has won an astounding amount of races (eleven in his first season) and is the world's dominant sprinter. Usain Bolt only beats seven competitors at a time but cycling is a much more rowdy affair. Cavendish has flawless technique and the awesome power required to turn huge cycle gears. Other sprinters simply can't live with him at present.

Cavendish has just won stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia (his third this race) and he's finally receiving UK column inches beyond cycling columns. By the time the Tour de France begins July 4th more British eyes should be watching his progress. He's unlikely to disappoint and another great summer should elevate his profile further.

Will Sharp - Rugby League

Named the Harlequins RL Senior Academy Player of the Year 2007 Will Sharp made his senior debut in 2008. Equally proficient at wing or centre Sharp ended last season with 14 appearances and 7 tries (including a memorable hat-trick against Bradford Bulls) becoming a first team regular in the process and winning Quins Young Player of Year award.

One of the best young British players in Super League the 23-year-old has an all-round package that belies his lack of experience. Elusive in the tackle, excellent ground speed and a seemingly endless appetite for work marks him out. Presently settled at wing, Sharp is fast becoming one of the pillars of Harlequins' recent improvement. Alongside more experienced players like David Howell and Chad Randell, Harlequins have an opportunity to create a winning Rugby League franchise in London. A significant improvement on last season's ninth place looks possible and Sharp's impressive skills should soon catch the eye of England selectors at some level.

Laura Robson - Tennis

Everyone remembers photogenic teenager Laura Robson winning the Wimbledon Junior Girls Championship last year. Moments afterwards the English press predicted she would dominate women's tennis, rejuvenate the sport in the UK and find a cure for cancer.

Tennis success in the UK is always eagerly anticipated but, aged 15, Robson is not yet ready to consistently compete at a senior level. Away from the hype Robson has gone about the business of improving her game and is set to work with new coaches including Gil Reyes, former coach of Andre Agassi. She has competed in a handful of senior WTA games but still plays the bulk of her tennis at junior level, reaching another Grand Slam final in Australia this January. She narrowly lost to Ksenia Pervak but competed well displaying a great serve, which is the foundation of her game.

Robson needs to improve her fitness levels and lateral movement around the court but she remains a superb future prospect. This season she's likely to play more senior WTA games but a successful summer for Robson will mean working with new coaches and displaying continued improvement on court at Junior level.

Rory McIlroy - golf

Born in Holywood, perhaps we should have predicted Rory McIlroy's celebrity status but the Northern Ireland town he hails from is less well known that its Californian namesake. Now eligible for a PGA Tour card, McIlroy's recent success has given him the opportunity to make his mark in North America but despite having broken into the top-20 rankings in 2009 he seems in no hurry to head to America and will remain on the European Tour.

After winning his first professional title, the Dubai Desert Open, this year 20-year-old seems to be fulfilling his considerable potential. After finishing 20th at The Masters, McIlroy will play more Majors but is in no hurry to increase his workload. "I don't want to play 30 events a year and get burn out" he said recently of the US tour.

Form in golf can be ephemeral and McIlroy appreciates this despite his youth. However, in sport age is always trumped by talent so McIlroy should definitely enjoy this summer.