British Cycling coach Justin Grace has lifesaving liver surgery
GB sprint coach Justin Grace is absent from this weekend's Track World Cup in Glasgow
British Cycling's head sprint coach Justin Grace underwent lifesaving surgery on Wednesday when he received a liver transplant.
The New Zealander, who has previously coached his own nation and France before joining BC two years ago, had reportedly been on the transplant waiting list for a while after suffering from liver failure.
On Wednesday he was admitted to St James Hospital in Leeds and underwent successful surgery that day. He tweeted on Friday that he is out of intensive care.
British Cycling have known about his health for some time and PA report that he has contacted colleagues at the national governing body urging them to sign up the NHS organ donor register, if they haven't already.
Grace remains in hospital and is therefore absent from this weekend's Track World Cup in Glasgow. It is likely that he will will return to work on a part-time basis before Christmas and full-time in 12 weeks.
Grace was one of the coaches who oversaw Great Britain's domination of the track events at the Rio Olympics where every rider won a medal, with six golds in total.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and long reads across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013. In 2024 he released a seven-part podcast documentary, Ghost in the Machine, about motor doping in cycling.
Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains. He lives in Valencia, Spain.
-
Remco Evenepoel collaborates with Belgian Post to launch 'Remco Reflex' safety initiative after being doored by post vehicle
Double Olympic champion required surgery after suffering a luxation of the clavicle, contusions on his lungs, a fractured rib, shoulder blade and hand in the collision last Tuesday
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
What’s in the Q36.5 move for Tom Pidcock, and what’s next?
Having bade farewell to Ineos Grenadiers, the 25-year-old should have freedom next year to do what he wants, but will that help?
By Adam Becket Published
-
South west round of the British National Road Series an exciting chance to showcase an 'under-represented' region, say local riders and organisers
British Cycling announced last week that National Road and Circuit series will visit the south west of England in 2025
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Volunteers needed to help revive UK racing scene
A shortage of volunteers and accredited marshals has left race organisers in limbo
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Riders on elite women’s race team allege sexual harassment from banned youth coach after past police warnings and safeguarding concerns raised with British Cycling
Owner was involved with women’s team despite police advice that he was not an appropriate individual to work with adult females
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Mark Cavendish to Cat Ferguson: British Cycling Academy celebrates 20th anniversary
GB's national development pathway has enjoyed two medal-winning decades
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI confirm investigation launched into 'unapproved' frameset used by Saint Piran
British team glued fake UCI compliance labels to open mould frames purchased from far east
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British Cycling to 'supercharge' Tours of Britain with new IMG deal
Global media company to help get media and commercial rights into a "healthy place" in order to invest into other parts of BC
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling 'embraces' challenges in reviving domestic scene
Governing body shares task force update, revealing it has tackled fewer than half of its previous recommendations
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British Cycling's future secured by 'game-changing' title sponsor deal with Lloyds Bank
The 'landmark' partnership will see the bank sponsor the Tours of Britain and be present on GB's cycling kit
By Adam Becket Published