Salzwedel: Wiggins still in contention for Tokyo 2020

The 36-year-old was added to British Cycling's Olympic programme for 2017 – despite suggesting that he might retire – with Salzwedel keen to keep the options open heading into the new Olympic cycle.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist, who took team pursuit gold in Rio, has competed in Six Day racing events in both Ghent and London, the latter expected to be his last on home soil.

But with Salzwedel eyeing up next year's World Championships without Wiggins on the track, the coach believes there is still plenty for him to offer, though he concedes the decision may take time to come to.

"There will always be a place for him," Salzwedel said.

"I believe that there’s more in the tank and so much left over. I don't want that being wasted, so if he's committed he can do it for another couple of years at least. I want to keep the door open and he has not confirmed his plans.

"He can carry on with the pursuit and the madison and they're the key events. I wouldn't even rule him out of competing at the Olympics in 2020. Why not?

"For me age is no limit; it's all about performance. Over the years he has built up such an endurance level and he can still utilise that. He's always welcome.

"I'm not considering him for the Worlds next year but maybe in 2018.

"At the moment he's just enjoying his farewell tour and he's stopped being a fully committed athlete from a mental point of view. I just want to give him the time to now think about his situation and what he wants to do.”