British Cycling is thrilled to announce it will be able to send riders to compete for medals in BMX Freestyle Park on the event’s debut at the Tokyo Olympics after receiving backing from UK Sport.

Reacting to the news, British Cycling’s performance director Stephen Park said: “We were delighted to hear UK Sport’s funding decision that we will receive additional funding of up to £1.8 million plus up to eight additional Athlete Personal Awards for use across the programme.

“The Great Britain Cycling Team’s primary objective is clear - to win Olympic and Paralympic medals - and our aim for BMX Freestyle Park is no different. The allocated level of funding we are set to receive from UK Sport to support this new discipline not only enables more talented bike riders to compete at the Olympic Games, it also allows British Cycling to contribute even more to growing our sport.

“Since the IOC announced the inclusion of BMX Freestyle Park in Tokyo 2020, there has been a feeling of excitement amongst the support staff as we prepare to accept the new challenge of working with a new discipline. With support from key stakeholders from within the BMX Freestyle Park scene, we have designed a programme for talented British riders which we believe will give them the best chance of success in Tokyo.

“We are already well underway with the recruitment of these riders onto a British Cycling supported programme, with the final confirmation due to take place after a training and selection camp in North Carolina later this month. I’m really pleased we can continue to move forward with this project, thanks to UK Sport.

“We know UK Sport face tough decisions when deciding how to allocate funding, and we’re extremely grateful for the additional support we are set to receive to support our medal ambitions for Tokyo 2020.”