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Becky James can't be compared with Victoria Pendleton, says Shane Sutton

Monday 25 February 2013 11:19, UK

Image: Becky James, right, succeeded Victoria Pendleton as world sprint champion

Head coach Shane Sutton hailed the historic achievements of Becky James at the Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk, but insisted it is impossible to compare Great Britain's new sprint queen with Victoria Pendleton.

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In Minsk, Britain finished with gold medals for the women's team pursuit squad of Laura Trott, Dani King and Elinor Barker, Jason Kenny in the men's keirin and Simon Yates in the men's points race, to go with James' double.
Next generation
Sutton believes his young squad can improve for Rio. "The head room is massive," he added. "There won't be massive gains, but you win Olympic medals on hundreds and thousands. "I am sure there will be something we can find to move us on to Rio and being very successful there, as well over the next three years." The group of riders in Belarus are just the start, with the likes of James and Jess Varnish, who missed out with a back injury and was replaced by Vicky Williamson, being pushed by Dannielle Khan and Rosie Blount. "No one in this environment is safe because the talent pool is so big at the moment," Sutton said. "You can take anybody to the podium if you coach them well and give them the support services they need, as long as they have got a certain amount of physical ability starting the journey."

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