Five Welsh cyclists confirmed for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Five Welsh cyclists confirmed for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

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Wales will be represented by five cyclists at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, as the British Olympic Association (BOA) announce the cycling squad to compete this summer.

Elinor Barker, Ciara Horne, Owain Doull, Becky James and Geraint Thomas will compete on the road and track, Wales’ largest representation of cyclists at an Olympic Games. The announcement comes as the BOA confirmed 26 riders part of the squad for Rio 2016, with 5 of the riders from Wales.

Matt Cosgrove, Performance Director at Welsh Cycling said: “To have five Welsh cyclists part of Team GB this summer is great for the sport in Wales. It demonstrates that Wales is continuing to produce athletes that are capable of competing at the highest level of the sport.

We have a strong Performance Programme in Wales that supports Welsh riders with their cycling ambitions, with many going on to represent Great Britain on the international stage. Each of the selected riders have worked hard to earn their place in the squad, and I wish them luck as they compete in Rio this summer.”

Elinor Barker, Ciara Horne and Becky James are part of the women’s track line-up with Owain Doull playing his role in the men’s track squad. Double Olympic team pursuit champion Geraint Thomas will compete on the road in Rio.

Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive Officer at Welsh Cycling said: “This is our greatest representation of Welsh cyclists at an Olympic Games, ever, and provides a fantastic opportunity to inspire Wales to cycle. Welsh Cycling will be enjoying an exciting summer of cycling, and we want the whole nation to get involved.

We have more than 160 cycling clubs across Wales, and a packed summer programme of activities to get involved with. Whether you want to join your local club, take part in our Go-Ride Summer of Cycling or go for a bike ride with our Breeze champions, there is something for everyone.”

At 21, Cardiff’s Elinor Barker will be the youngest member of the Team GB cycling squad. Whilst Geraint Thomas offers experience as a double Olympic gold medallist in the team pursuit, and a seasoned rider on the road. Thomas, Barker and Owain Doull all started their cycling careers at Maindy Flyers Youth Cycling Club, whilst Becky James got her first taste of cycling at a school session, and joined Abergavenny RC. Ciara Horne made the switch from swimming to cycling, following injury, and hasn’t looked back since.

The selected cyclists are:

Men’s Track:

Steven Burke, 28, Burnley
Mark Cavendish, 31, Douglas
Ed Clancy, 31, Barnsley
Owain Doull, 23, Cardiff
Phillip Hindes, 23, Manchester
Jason Kenny, 28, hometown Bolton
Ryan Owens, 20, Aspley Guise, Beds
Callum Skinner, 23, Glasgow
Bradley Wiggins, 36, London

Women’s Track:
Katie Archibald, 22, Milngavie
Elinor Barker, 21, Cardiff
Ciara Horne, 26, Harrow
Rebecca James, 24, Abergavenny
Katy Marchant, 23, Leeds
Joanna Rowsell-Shand, 27, Carshalton
Laura Trott, 24, Harlow

Men’s Road:
Chris Froome, 31, Nairobi
Peter Kennaugh, 27, Douglas
Ian Stannard, 29, Chelmsford
Geraint Thomas, 30, Cardiff
Adam Yates, 23, Bury

Women’s Road:
Lizzie Armitstead, 27, Otley
Nikki Harris, 29, Draycott
Emma Pooley, 33, Wandsworth

Men’s BMX:
Kyle Evans, 22, Wigan
Liam Phillips, 27, Taunton