Sir Bradley Wiggins can galvanise British cyclists, says Shane Sutton

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/28/sir-bradley-wiggins-british-cyclists-shane-sutton

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Shane Sutton, the British Cycling technical director, believes Sir Bradley Wiggins’ expected presence on the track at the Rio Olympics will be a huge lift to other riders, claiming the team will need “big leaders” to ensure success in 2016.

Wiggins led the English pursuit team to silver at the Commonwealth Games last week and said afterwards that his focus would now turn to securing gold in the same event at Rio – and a potential fifth Olympic title – declaring he was “done with the road”.

Britain’s first Tour de France winner, in 2012, has not agreed a new contract with Team Sky after being left out of this year’s event, although Sir Dave Brailsford, the Sky general manager, still harbours hope that Wiggins can dovetail his track and road seasons next year.

Sutton, speaking after the final session of the Commonwealths at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, insisted Great Britain would be “very strong” at the 2016 Olympics despite their disappointing cumulative performance in Glasgow, but admitted Wiggins’ presence would be a major bonus.

“It’s a massive boost to the team,” said Sutton. “You look at the loss of [Victoria] Pendleton and [Sir Chris] Hoy, those big figures going into London, you need those big leaders and I think Sir Bradley coming back has given everyone a lift.

“That’s about iconic figures, I’ve always said that. Unfortunately we haven’t got Vicky or Sir Chris any more so Brad coming back and lining up alongside Laura [Trott] and Jason [Kenny], I think we’re going to be very strong.”

In total, the home nations only won two gold medals on the track at these Games, compared with seven in London. Joanna Rowsell and Laura Trott triumphed in the individual pursuit and the points race respectively for England, while Australia won seven golds compared with one in 2012.

Wiggins, Steven Burke, Ed Clancy and Andy Tennant finished more than five seconds behind the Australians in the team pursuit final but, while some have questioned the team’s capability to achieve gold in Rio, Sutton is confident Wiggins can lead them to glory.

When asked about the 34-year-old’s performance in Scotland, he said: “Brad looked comfortable at the pace we were at, he was doing the lion’s share of the work. He’s not the same bike rider he was in Beijing [2008], obviously he’s a much stronger rider. Brad will adapt to any pace if we continue to ride him in that position. Ultimately we will go with the best four riders on the day but I’m pretty sure Brad will be there.”