British Cycling looking for a new performance director ahead of 2020 Olympics

British Cycling has started the process of appointing a new performance director, the role that oversees the training of the Great Britain cycling team and one that was formerly held by Sir Dave Brailsford.

Brailsford left the role in April 2014 to focus on his job heading up Team Sky, and the position has since been vacant. The role is seen by British Cycling as key towards preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"Appointing a performance director is a part of the Tokyo [2020 Olympics] strategy submitted to UK Sport in February and will enable the Great Britain Cycling Team to build upon the success the team enjoyed this year and provide greater support to performance staff and athletes," said British Cycling in a statement published on Wednesday.

Technical director Shane Sutton had overseen the British squad since Brailsford's departure, but Sutton left British Cycling in April 2016 amid allegations of sexism and bullying. An investigation into the allegations is currently underway.

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Sutton's responsibilities were taken on by programmes director Andy Harrison in the lead-up to the Rio 2016 Games.

Harrison – who will remain in charge of the team through the recruitment process – is thought to be a likely candidate for the new performance director role.

Great Britain's cyclists claimed 18 gold medals in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janerio, part of the 33 medals that they won in total.

The Positive Dynamics consultancy has been tasked with assisting British Cycling in the recruitment process.