British Cycling confirms departure of endurance coach Heiko Salzwedel
German coach Heiko Salzwedel was reportedly escorted out of the National Cycling Centre in Manchester in October
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter


British Cycling confirmed on Tuesday (January 2) in a brief statement that track endurance coach Heiko Salzwedel has left the organisation.
Reports surfaced in October that Salzwedel had been escorted by security out of the National Cycling Centre – home of British Cycling in Manchester. The Daily Mail reported that Salzwedel had a difference of opinion with riders.
At that time, British Cycling did not comment on the allegations.
The statement issued on Tuesday said: "British Cycling can confirm that Heiko Salzwedel has left his position as men’s endurance coach for the Great Britain Cycling Team.
"Heiko, who coached the team to an Olympic gold medal in the men’s team pursuit in Rio, departs with the best wishes and thanks of everyone at British Cycling."
Salzwedel had overseen the men's endurance programme on the British cycling team since October 2014, and the German was seen as instrumental in setting up the GB team pursuit squad for its gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Bradley Wiggins, Ed Clancy, Steven Burke and Owain Doull set a new world record on their way to winning gold.
Salzwedel had previously been performance manager at British Cycling between 2001 to 2002, and 2008 to 2012.
>>> British Cycling reportedly sack men’s endurance coach after ‘rider revolt’
British Cycling has seen several members of staff departing in recent months. The organisation confirmed in early December that performance pathway manager Ian Yates was leaving.
Prior to that, BC chair Jonathan Browning announced in November that he was stepping down, having only been in the job for 10 months after replacing previous chair Bob Howden in February.
In April 2016, Shane Sutton resigned from his post as technical director amid allegations of sexism and bullying.
Thank you for reading 5 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

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
'I sweated and tried not to barf up my sandwich': a first look at Wahoo's new Sports Science Center
We spent a day at Wahoo's recently opened drool-worthy sports science haven getting to know our bodies better
By Kristin Jenny • Published
-
'A big weight off my shoulders' — Jake Stewart takes 'emotional' first win
British rider breaks through with stage one victory at the Tour de l'Ain
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'Give us the bike or we'll stab you’: UK cyclist recounts horror of attempted bike theft by masked motorcyclists
Attack in South London is the latest in a series of incidents involving violent thugs on motorbikes
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
British Cycling announces £45,000 recovery fund to support event organisers
The funding scheme is aimed at increasing participation within the sport following the Covid-19 pandemic
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
'British Cycling pulled trans policy because of public pressure' — Emily Bridges
Cyclist said she received threats of physical violence after Boris Johnson said trans women should not compete in women's events
By Adam Becket • Published
-
British Cycling receives £26.6m investment from Sport England
British Cycling will focus on increasing participation in the sport by tackling inequalities and issues of access into cycling
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
British Cycling call for Russian and Belarusian riders to be suspended from races after invasion of Ukraine
UK's governing body urged UCI to stop Russian and Belarusian riders from competing
By Adam Becket • Published
-
British Cycling announces team for UCI Cycling E-sports World Championships on Zwift
The line-up features 10 women and five men all competing for equal prize money and to become world champion
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-