Cavendish set for another crack at Olympic glory

Cavendish has shone on two wheels whether on a track – having won three Madison world titles and Scratch Race gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games – or on the road, with the Manx Missile winning World Championship road race gold in 2011.

But the one major omission from his impressive CV is an Olympic medal, something he hopes to change this summer in Brazil.

After sitting out London 2012 Cavendish is back for his first Games appearance on the track since Beijing 2008 and he is itching to get underway.

"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," he said.

"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."

Joining Cavendish in the track team for Rio 2016 is seven-time Olympic medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins, who claimed time trial gold at London 2012 on the road.

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. Ryan Owens will also travel to Rio as the team's P accredited rider for the team sprint.

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.

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.

And World Road Champion Lizzie Armitstead leads the women’s squad with Beijing 2008 time trial silver medallist Emma Pooley and first-time Olympian Nikki arris.

Sportsbeat 2016