BLYTHE LEAVES ACADEMY PROGRAMME

Adam Blythe has left British Cycling's under-23 academy programme by mutual consent, it was confirmed this afternoon.

Blythe, 18, joined the academy in October 2007 but will now move to Belgium to race.

British Cycling's performance director Dave Brailsford said: "The academy just wasn?t right for Adam. He is a truly talented rider and has developed immensely during his time as a junior and on British Cycling?s talent team."

And Brailsford added that the door would not close on Blythe. "Despite leaving the academy, Adam is still a strong contender for Team GB?s under-23 team."

During his time with British Cycling, Adam has gained valuable riding experience on the track as well as in his native road discipline and was in the junior teams that took team pursuit gold medals at the European Track Championships in 2006 and 2007.

Blythe has now moved to Belgium to pursue his dream of becoming a professional road rider with a Europe-based team and will remain in contention for future selections for Great Britain.

He said: "I have learned a lot during my time with British Cycling?s Olympic Talent Team, Development Programme and Academy Programme. I am now looking forward to using that experience to further develop and to produce results which are consistent with the high expectations of the academy. I intend to be a contender in future international and world competition.

"I would like to thank and acknowledge all of the people who have contributed during my time with British Cycling. I will make sure that I keep in touch with the British Cycling programme managers to ensure the existing good relationship is maintained and continues to develop."