BURNHAM BMX star Liam Phillips says recent surgery on his elbow will ensure he is ‘fit and healthy’ for the new season’ after going under the knife last month.

The Team GB athlete said the operation wasn’t ‘anything major’ and was a success.

He said: “It’s important to make the most of this time as when you are busy competing you don’t get much opportunity to think about anything else.

“It also means I’ve been able to catch up on things that have been put on the back burner for a while.

“Top of that list was getting surgery on my elbow, which I had always planned to do when the season finished.

“It wasn’t anything major but it was a case of cleaning things up a bit to make sure I’m fit and healthy for the new season.

“Thankfully it all went fine and since then I’ve had some time off the bike just to refresh myself a bit.”

Phillips, 26, has been enjoying his off-season and said he would be getting stuck into his training again in the New Year.

He said: “After New Year I will be in Manchester pretty solidly preparing for the new season. Obviously the festive period is fast approaching but it’s all a bit up in the air at the moment really and I’m not exactly sure where I will be on Christmas Day.

“It’s an Olympic year so I will be training hard throughout the Christmas period and won’t allow myself to indulge too much.

“Of course it will be nice to spend time with family but the Olympics is on the horizon and that’s crucial.

“I have great people around me who all understand what it takes so it’s not too difficult to stay disciplined at that time.”

Aldi are proud supporters of Team GB, hear more from Liam Phillips in the run up to Christmas