Oxfordshire cyclists John Paul and Harriet Owen underlined their potential in style at the UK School Games in Wales with a hatful of gold medals.

Riding for Central England, Paul, 16, from Wantage, scooped triple gold in Newport.

And Owen, 15, from Kidlington, won double gold while also competing for Central England.

Paul, who attends King Alfred’s School, reigned supreme in the sprint, 500m time trial and keirin events.

He kicked off proceedings by outpacing Matt Rotherham in the sprint final, before leaving the field trailing in his wake in the time trial and keirin.

“I’m delighted – I’ve been racing hard recently and it has all come together for me here,” he said. “I’ve had a great year so far.

“In the British Junior Championships, I won the sprint and the 500m TT, so to come and do this is brilliant.

“I just go out and try and do my best – thankfully it has been good enough.”

Paul is now hoping he can pit his wits alongside Beijing hero Chris Hoy at the senior nationals in Manchester next month.

And after his exploits in Newport, he insists he is in the right form to continue hogging the headlines in 2009.

“The juniors and seniors are on the same track, so it is a fantastic opportunity for everyone,” he added.

Owen, who attends Marlborough School, Woodstock, claimed double gold in the girls’ madison and keirin.

A member of the Bicester Millennium CC, she stormed to victory in both events.

Witney’s William Macke showed experience beyond his years – but couldn’t force his way into the medal shake-up.

The 14-year-old Wood Green School pupil finished 15th in the points race, before following that up with a 17th-placed showing in the pursuit.

l The Youth Sport Trust is working to enhance physical education and sporting opportunities for young people.

Funding through the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has been distributed through Legacy Trust UK, to develop the UK School Games each year until 2011.

For more information visit www.youth-sporttrust.org.