The British Olympic Association has today named 26 cyclists across the road, track and BMX disciplines who will compete for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Update: Steve Cummings replaces Pete Kennaugh in final Team GB squad for men’s road race in Rio
Seven-time Olympic medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins returns to the track after claiming time trial gold at London 2012 and he will be joined by former world champion and 26-time Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish - who returns to the Olympic boards after competing at Beijing 2008.
Four more Olympic medallists are included for the men with Jason Kenny, Ed Clancy, Phillip Hindes and Steven Burke returning while Owain Doull and Callum Skinner are set to make their first Olympic appearances.
Your GB cycling squad for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.#Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/527A1ygoar
— British Cycling (@BritishCycling) June 24, 2016
Olympic champions Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell Shand head up the women’s track team alongside world champions Becky James, Katie Archibald and Elinor Barker, with Katy Marchant and Ciara Horne completing the track squad.
2013 world champion and London 2012 finalist Liam Phillips is one of two BMX riders set to compete for Team GB in Rio with Kyle Evans set for his first Olympic appearance.
On the road, two-time Tour de France king and Olympic time trial bronze medallist Chris Froome will be supported by Olympic champions Geraint Thomas and Pete Kennaugh as well as Adam Yates and Ian Stannard.
World road champion Lizzie Armitstead leads the women’s squad with Beijing 2008 time trial silver medallist Emma Pooley and first-time Olympian Nikki Harris.
Team GB cycling squad for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Men’s track
Jason Kenny, 28, hometown Bolton
Phillip Hindes, 23, Manchester
Callum Skinner, 23, Glasgow
Bradley Wiggins, 36, London
Mark Cavendish, 31, Douglas
Owain Doull, 23, Cardiff
Steven Burke, 28, Colne
Ed Clancy, 31, Barnsley
Women’s track
Rebecca James, 24, Abergavenny
Katy Marchant, 23, Leeds
Laura Trott, 24, Harlow
Katie Archibald, 22, Milngavie
Joanna Rowsell Shand, 27, Carshalton
Elinor Barker, 21, Cardiff
Ciara Horne, 26, Harrow
Men’s road
Geraint Thomas, 30, Cardiff
Chris Froome, 31, Nairobi
Adam Yates, 23, Bury
Peter Kennaugh, 27, Douglas
Ian Stannard, 29, Chelmsford
Women’s road
Lizzie Armitstead, 27, Otley
Emma Pooley, 33, Wandsworth
Nikki Harris, 29, Draycott
Men’s BMX
Liam Phillips, 27, Taunton
Kyle Evans, 22, Wigan
Reaction
Team GB’s chef de mission, Mark England said: “The fantastic performances our cyclists delivered at both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games cemented the sport’s place as one of our most successful in modern times and it’s great to be able to welcome another strong squad to Team GB.
“The mix of Olympic, world and Tour de France champions alongside talented debutants is enormously exciting. In the build-up to Rio 2016 the team have shown great form across all three of the disciplines and will no doubt be looking to continue this at the Olympic Games this summer.”
British Cycling programmes director Andy Harrison said: “I am pleased to announce such a strong squad of riders who will represent Team GB in Rio this summer.
"Our team has proven to be the leading nation for cycling in the past two Olympic cycles and our aim is to continue that momentum and be a sports team that Britain can be proud of. We’ve seen some good results across the disciplines this season and I’ve every confidence we can step it up once more for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.”
Mark Cavendish said: “I’ve made no secret that my aim is to win an Olympic medal and I’m so pleased to have been given this opportunity. It’s always a proud moment to be able to pull on a GB jersey and to be able to do so at the Olympic Games is extra special. I’ve given my all to training these past few months and I’m committed to doing my absolute best out in Rio.”
Chris Froome said: “It is a great honour to be selected to represent Team GB this summer. The Olympics are special for any athlete lucky enough to be given the chance to compete at the Games. I have great memories of London and winning bronze in the time trial. I will be giving it everything I can in Rio to try and win another medal for Great Britain.”
Becky James said: “I’m really honoured to have been selected for my first Olympic Games, it’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I first started cycling. I’ve had a hard fight back from injury over the past year or so but thanks to an amazing support team at British Cycling I’m able to put all that behind me and focus on achieving my career goals.”
Lizzie Armitstead said: “It’s an honour to have been selected to represent Team GB in Rio for my second Olympic Games. London 2012 was a fantastic event and remains one of my career highlights. I’m looking forward to doing it all over again, and hopefully going one better, in Rio this summer.”
Jason Kenny said: “This will be my third Olympic Games but it’s still such a special feeling to be selected. Winning Olympic medals is what drives me and everything I do in training is focussed on this goal. We’ve had a really good training block at Manchester and we’re now in Valencia fine-tuning our preparations. Speaking on behalf of the male sprint squad, I think we’re in a good place and we’re all ready to race in Rio.”
Laura Trott said: “I’m so excited to be selected for Rio. London 2012 was amazing, it was life-changing for me, and I’m excited to see what me and my teammates can achieve this time around.”
