Newton appointed GB women's road coach ahead of London 2012

Former multiple world and national champion, and triple Olympic medallist Chris Newton has been appointed by British Cycling as women's road coach ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Newton's appointment is part of a 'restructure within the GB coaching team', according to British Cycling.

British Cycling performance director David Brailsford commented: "Chris Newton has been working with the [track] men's Endurance Academy over the past 12 months and he has done superb work bringing the group together on both the road and track and building a true team ethos.

"Chris will continue to work with the Academy men but with increased support from Keith Lambert so that he can commit time to his role with the women's road team.

"We're confident that Chris's skills and capabilities will ensure that the women's road team arrive at the London 2012 Olympic Games ready to give their best possible performance."

Nicole Cooke struck gold for Great Britain in the women's road race at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Since then, several other British women have emerged as strong riders on the international scene, and Cooke will likely share - or relinquish - lead duties in the GB women's squad with Lizzie Armitstead.

Emma Pooley followed up Cooke's gold in the road race with a silver medal in the women's time trial.

Newton retired from professional cycling in 2010, when he took up the position of Olympic Academy men's endurance coach.

During his professional career, Newton took a host of wins on the road and track, including team pursuit and points race world titles. He won a silver medal in the team pursuit at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, team pursuit bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Games, and points race bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Games.

Related links

August 2010: Newton set to retire and become Academy coach

Chris Newton: Profile