Shane Sutton: Olympic qualification points the target in London
British Cycling's technical director Shane Sutton says he has to manage expectations ahead of the track World Cup in London

Medals are not important to Shane Sutton this weekend at the London track World Cup – he’s just interested in his riders claiming vital Olympic qualification points.
In an interview with the Guardian’s William Fotheringham, Sutton put Great Britain’s relative failings in February’s World Championships down to an extended hangover from the success of the 2012 Olympics.
And as his riders prepare to return to the Lee Valley Velodrome for this weekend’s meet, British Cycling’s technical director admits he has to manage expectations for the weekend.
“The riders will want success in front of their home crowd but ultimately it’s about Olympic qualification, so it’s about securing points and if wins come on the back of that then fantastic,” Sutton said.
“Everyone is going to be living off what happened in London [in 2012] and the public will expect, but that’s part and parcel of elite sport. We were a force in London, and we want to be a force in Rio, but this is part of the pathway to get there.
“A lot of people are in heavy work still and this isn’t something we can taper for, given we want to go and have a successful Worlds. We can’t be at our optimum. There’s a lot of people doubting us after what happened in Colombia, but we can see a trend and we will be competitive across the board.”
Joanna Rowsell, double gold medalist at the Cali World Championships, is the only change to the British squad for London, having withdrawn from the last round of the World Cup to focus on her training.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
'A big ask' for Bradley Wiggins to make Rio 2016 team, according to Sutton
Shane Sutton says Bradley Wiggins' selection for Rio 2016 will be dependent on his times on the track
Shane Sutton full of praise for Jason Kenny at Track World Cup
Great Britain technical director Shane Sutton applauded the inspirational performance of Kenny at the Track World Cup in Mexico.
Bradley Wiggins's track return will boost GB, says Shane Sutton
Great Britain's technical director says the 34-year-old's return to the team pursuit set-up can galvanise the entire track squad.
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
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Classics legends uncovered: What it takes to dominate one-day races
Dissecting the anatomy of a Classics legend, Chris Marshall-Bell examines the physiology, racecraft and team dynamics that culminate in one-day domination
-
3D printed saddles made just for you—does your rear require one? A review of Posedla’s Joyseat 2.0
Custom down to the name imprinted in the saddle. Posedla makes an impressively well-designed, high-quality product. But is it worth the price tag?
-
'Alive and well' - British Paralympian found after going missing in Las Vegas
Sam Ruddock hadn't been heard from in 11 days, but has now been located
-
Teenage British time-trial champion dies after training ride collision with car driver
360Cycling “absolutely heartbroken” after death of 18-year-old Aidan Worden in Darwen, Lancashire
-
Tour of Britain races boosted local economies by £30 million
YouGov data shows significant impact both the men’s and women’s national tours had on host towns across the country
-
No new investment for National Series in British Cycling task force update
Road and circuit series funding to continue at around £180,000
-
British Cycling receives record £39m funding for 2028 Olympics and Paralympics
GB performance director 'incredibly pleased' with allocation for Los Angeles Games
-
British Cycling sees 11% decline in membership in less than two years
Governing body focused on revenue growth after another year in the red
-
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
-
Volunteers needed to help revive UK racing scene
A shortage of volunteers and accredited marshals has left race organisers in limbo