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Brailsford: Time is right

Sir David Brailsford: Time is right to step down

Sir David Brailsford: Time is right to step down

Sir David Brailsford believes the time is right to leave his role as performance director of British Cycling.

Brailsford has overseen the British cycling’s most successful era – Team GB won 30 Olympic medals during his 11 years at the helm.

He had stepped down so he can concentrate on his other role as the principal of Team Sky , with whom he has twice won the Tour de France.

British Cycling has put into place a new management structure, with Shane Sutton appointed technical director. Andy Harrison meanwhile continues as programmes director and Ian Drake remains as chief executive officer. Steve Peters, the Britain team’s psychiatrist, has also stepped down.

Brailsford told Sky Sports News: “For me it just feels like a natural transition. We’ve thought for quite a long time about how we can get British cycling in the best possible shape so the riders get the best possible support going into Rio. And that’s got to be the most important thing. How do they get the best support?

“It’s been well documented that my time has been more spread between Team Sky and British Cycling. And of course Team Sky have grown with the success in the Tour de France. I just felt that with the back-up that exists within British Cycling, with Ian Drake being in charge – a fantastic CEO of British Cycling, and Shane Sutton is there – it’s the right team to move the team on, on a full-time basis.

“I think my time needs to be focused on Team Sky. The growth of cycling is something that is really important to us. I really want to focus on Sky’s input into that. There’s so much more to do.

“So I’m absolutely convinced it’s the right thing to do for British Cycling. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some fantastic people, great coaches, great support teams. I just conduct a little orchestra.”

Brailsford believes the future is bright for the British team, despite their least successful world championships in 16 years in Cali.

“I can understand people on the outside looking at the results and thinking ‘hold on, what’s going on here?'” he said. “Last week I sat down with every member of the team who will be heading to Rio for a review. Let me tell you, there is a fantastically talented bunch of young, brilliantly enthusiastic committed riders at British Cycling. The talent is there.”

Looking back at his 11 years in charge, Brailsford said the highlight was simply working with his team.

“I’m very fortunate to have worked with such an unbelievable group of athletes who have been incredibly successful and fantastic people work with,” he said. “Ian Drake stands out for me, along with Shane Sutton and Steve Peters who I’ve learned a massive amount from.

“It’s been a privilege.”

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