Sean Baldock last night moved a step closer to Olympic selection when he was called up for Britain's Europa Cup team in Poland this weekend.

The Hastings athlete sealed his place in the 4x400m relay squad after an impressive 45.92sec run at an international open in Geneva.

Baldock, 27, said: "I'm delighted with my form. I was hoping for a decent time and dipping below 46 was certainly that. The conditions helped. There was just a light breeze.

"Training has gone well and I seem to be coming towards where I want to be at the right time for Athens.

"Hopefully I can continue running well in Poland. It should be quite an experience. I've never been to the country before."

Baldock believes his selection increases his chance of being chosen for his second Olympics.

He ran as an individual in Sydney four years ago, exiting in the same first-round race as eventual champion Michael Johnson.

But Baldock's target this time is the relay squad.

He said: "What I did in Geneva has put me in good stead for the Olympics.

"I feel I'm a lot stronger, my speed is good and I'm in better shape than I've ever been."

He revealed how he has been helped by his Eastbourne training partners Set Osho, Jason Hussain and Gavin Selway.

Baldock said: "They're all nice to be around and there's a good atmosphere at training when we all try to beat each other."

His coach Mark Gregory believes Baldock should underline his form in Poland and at the Olympic trials in Manchester on July 10 and 11.

He said: "Sean is looking good. His time in Geneva makes him the fourth fastest of the Brits this year and probably third if you take into account one of the others did his run at altitude.

"He has maintained his progress since Sydney, getting a relay gold in the Commonwealth Games two years ago and being in the relay team which finished fifth in the world championships."

Baldock plans to compete in Genoa at the end of the month and for his London club, Belgrave Harriers, in the British League, as he prepares for the Olympic trials.

He said: "It's still up in the air over Athens but hopefully it will all work out for me."

Also in the British relay squad is Daniel Caines, Tim Benjamin, Jared Deacon, Chris Rawlinson and Matt Elias.