Sutton eyes Rio boost after Wiggins team announcement

BySportsbeat

Updated 10/01/2015 at 15:31 GMT

British Cycling's technical director Shane Sutton has hailed news of Sir Bradley Wiggins' pro cycling team as a major boost to the country's medal hopes at Rio 2016.

Bradley Wiggins

Image credit: Reuters

The four-time Olympic champion announced the launch of his team 'Wiggins' earlier in the week that will feature an array of young British talent.

Six of the riders on the roster - Steven Burke, Mark Christian, Jon Dibben, Owain Doull, Andy Tennant and 2012 Tour de France winner Wiggins - also race the team pursuit on the track.

And Sutton believes chances of team pursuit success in Rio have been greatly enhanced as a result of the new team.

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"It's fantastic news and gives us a great opportunity with our team pursuit squad moving forward to Rio with Brad," Sutton told Sky Sports.

"It's a great partnership with Sky and this team allows the young riders of British Cycling to step up and ride alongside a Tour winner like Bradley, which can only be a massive inspiration to everybody within our programme.

"There are a lot of building blocks to go through, but inspiration is a major part of it and Brad does inspire the young guys in this programme."

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