Brailsford hails best ever team of cyclists

British Cycling team boss Dave Brailsford hailed his squad for Beijing as "the strongest and most professional" he has even known.

Brailsford named a 24-strong team; 14 track cyclists, seven road cyclists, two from mountain bike and one from BMX.

After an impressive world track cycling championships in Manchester earlier this year, cycling is expected to be Britain's top-performing sport next month, with a forecast of six gold medals.

The squad includes former rower Rebecca Romero who goes to Beijing to compete in the individual pursuit and points race having won a silver at the Athens Olympics in the quadruple skulls.

Also in the squad are world champions Chris Hoy, who will compete in the sprint, team sprint and keirin; Victoria Pendleton (sprint); Shanaze Reade (BMX) and Bradley Wiggins (individual and team pursuits and madison).

Brailsford said: "This is clearly both the strongest and most professional cycling team from Britain in living memory. The tough selection decisions which had to be made are a testament to our strength and depth of talent."