Three-time Olympic medallist Chris Newton believes Great Britain’s strength in depth bodes well for the future as he prepares the endurance squad for the upcoming Track Cycling World Championships.
The GB coach is overseeing seven riders in Minsk, Belarus, consisting of three defending team pursuit champions – Ed Clancy, Steven Burke and Andy Tennant.
Also part of the group are four British Cycling Academy riders – Jon Dibben, Owian Doull, Sam Harrison and Simon Yates – and Newton believes a mix of youth and experience is the best way to attack the next Olympic cycle.
As well as choosing who grabs the four team pursuit places, Newton will also be selecting riders in the omnium, individual pursuit, scratch, points and Madison disciplines from February 20-24.
But rather than considering it a selection headache, Newton insists he’s in a fortunate position with such talent at his disposal.
“It’s encouraging we’ve got quite a strong depth of riders now that are going to that level,” said Newton.
“I think every other nation is the same for this forthcoming worlds, most nations have put in a different team, a young team, trying different things and we’re very fortunate we can do that.
“But we are also fortunate that there are existing athletes that are still well within an Olympic cycle – if not further – who are so fired up to still perform and fight for a place, which also has a knock on effect to the younger athletes knowing that’s the level they need to achieve.
“It’s a fight to get into the squad and when you have eight riders fighting for four places for the team pursuit and then fighting for the omnium place it does bode well for the future.
“Everyone’s on their toes, wanting to go further, faster and move their event on again past the world record that currently stands.”