Geraint Thomas will become the first Welsh Olympian to compete at Rio 2016 on Saturday when he rides for Great Britain in the men’s road race.
Thomas is one of 23 Welsh athletes at the Games – a number only surpassed by the 30 who competed in London four years ago.
Five Welsh cyclists are spearheaded by Thomas, 30, a double Olympic champion on the track who could be in contention for a medal on the road if tactics are adjusted to make him the GB team leader, rather than Tour de France winner Chris Froome.
Elinor Barker, Ciara Horne, Owain Doull, and Becky James complete the Welsh contingent – part of 26 GB riders in total.
Barker, Horne and James are part of the women’s track line-up with Doull playing his role in the men’s track squad.
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.”
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.”
The GB cyclists are (Wales in bold):
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