Cycling: Ed Clancy gets the Rio vote

Barnsley's double Olympic gold medalist Ed Clancy has been named among 26 cyclists across the road, track and BMX disciplines who will compete for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Doncaster Cycle Festival. Dean Downing leads from Ed Clancy.  Picture: Malcolm BillinghamDoncaster Cycle Festival. Dean Downing leads from Ed Clancy.  Picture: Malcolm Billingham
Doncaster Cycle Festival. Dean Downing leads from Ed Clancy. Picture: Malcolm Billingham

Clancy, 31, is in the company of seven-time Olympic medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins, who returns to the track after claiming time trial gold at London 2012 and former World Champion and 26-time Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish – who returns to the Olympic boards after competing at Beijing 2008. Other Olympic medallists include Jason Kenny, Phillip Hindes and Steven Burke while Owain Doull and Callum Skinner make their first Olympic appearances. Olympic champions Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell Shand head up the women’s team alongside World Champions Becky James, Katie Archibald and Elinor Barker, with Katy Marchant and Ciara Horne completing the track squad.

On the road, two-time Tour de France king Chris Froome supports Olympians Geraint Thomas, Pete Kennaugh, Adam Yates and Ian Stannard.

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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.

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.”

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.”