Cycling is one of four sports to have been present in the modern Olympics since 1896. Great Britain has achieved the second highest tally of medals with 63 behind France with 86.

Road

It is common in Team Cycling, such as the Tour de France, that members of a team will sacrifice individual glory for their team leader to win the race. History was made in 2012 when Bradley Wiggins became the fist British rider to win the Tour de France. To achieve that emphatic victory, every member of his team - Team Sky - gave their all to make sure he had the best chance of winning. In 2011, Team mate Mark Cavendish had won the coveted Green Jersey, but sacrificed the defence of that title due to his commitment to help Brad win the overall classification. British riders have also competed well in the women's version of the Tour de France, La Grande Boucle. Current Olympic Road Race Champion, Nicole Cooke won in 2006 and 2007 and Olympic silver medallist in the Time Trial, Emma Pooley, won in 2009.

The 2012 Olympics' were a great success once again for British Cycling and although "Cav" wasn't able to win the Road Race as was hoped, Lizzie Armistead finished a fantastic 2nd for the silver medal in the Ladies Road Race and Bradley Wiggins won the men's Time Trial with Chris Froome a fantastic 3rd for the bronze.

Did you know…?

In the 2012 World Championships, Lucy Garner (UK School Games 2010 Champion in the Girls Road Race) won the junior road race for the second year in a row to defend the crown of World Junior Road Race Champion that she first won in 2011. Elinor Barker (UK School Games 2010 Champion in the Girls Team Time Trial) also stepped up the top spot in the Individual Time Trial. After finishing second in 2011, she dominated the event to win her first World Title.