An Angus woman has put her professional dreams on hold to chase a Commonwealth Games dream.
Gemma Neill from Inverkeilor discovered a love for cycling relatively late on but has swiftly become an elite road racer.
The 29-year-old has been given the chance to show her progress on the European circuit ahead of selection for Glasgow.
She will have to leave her new job as a nurse behind though, only months after qualifying from Dundee University.
She said: “I’ve just qualified as a nurse in October and my first post is at Papworth Hospital, down in England.
“It’s a fantastic position for my first job and they’re going to keep it open for me until August.
“At this stage you can’t do a job and be an athlete and expect to be picked. You have to put your all into it.”
The former Arbroath High School pupil is being advised by local top-level coach John Bremner.
“He’s a level three coach, up there with the best in British cycling,” she said.
The road ahead is a difficult one financially, as without full-time wages Gemma is faced with mounting travel expenses and equipment costs.
She is about to send out letters local businesses for sponsorship, adding: “I’m aiming for £1,000 a month I’m looking for sponsorship for the next six months, rather than a long-term commitment.”
Her progress can be followed on Twitter at @gneill55.