Sir Dave Brailsford quits as performance director at British Cycling

Sir Dave Brailsford has left his post as performance director at British Cycling to concentrate on his role with Team Sky.

The news brings an end to a phenomenal 11 years at the helm of the British Olympic cycling squad, achieving great team success at the Beijing and London Games.

The 50-year-old, known for his methods of meticulous preparation, led Team GB to 30 Olympic medals between 2003-2012.

Brailsford now looks set to spend more time with Team Sky who he joined in 2010. It is here that he has guided Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome to victory in the last two Tours de France.

I've always said that, more than any of the medals, the transformation of cycling in Britain is the single thing I'm most proud of having helped achieve.

The team is also opening a new performance centre in the south of France which would have pulled Brailsford away from British Cycling's Manchester base.

Brailsford, who considered his future with British Cycling after the London Olympics before deciding to stay on, has missed two successive world track championships due to Team Sky commitments, including February's event in Cali, Colombia where a disappointing performance prompted a fresh review of team operations.

Brailsford has also found his expertise in demand from outside of cycling and he is to address England's footballers ahead of the World Cup, although he remains committed to cycling as his primary focus.

Sutton promoted

Shane Sutton has been appointed technical director with responsibility for rider performance, while Andy Harrison will continue as programmes director with responsibility for the running of the Great Britain cycling team's development programmes. Both will report to British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake. And a new role - head of performance support - will be created.

Brailsford said: "This is a big step but it is the right decision for the team and for me.

"Since London 2012, we have worked hard on succession planning and that has meant we've got to a point where I can move on, knowing the team will go from strength to strength.

"I'll still be available to Ian, Shane and Andy for support if they need it and my role at Team Sky will mean we'll still work closely and support the aims of British Cycling.

"I'd like to thank all the great staff who I've worked with and of course the amazing athletes who ultimately deserve all the credit for their success.

"I have some extraordinary memories - not just from Olympic Games and World Championships but also just day to day seeing cycling go from a fringe activity to a mainstream sport.

"I've always said that, more than any of the medals, the transformation of cycling in Britain is the single thing I'm most proud of having helped achieve."

Chief executive Drake said: "Firstly, I want to thank Sir Dave Brailsford for his enormous contribution to British Cycling - the organisation he leaves behind is transformed from the one we both joined in 1998.

"In that time the Great Britain cycling team has not only set the standard by which British sporting success is judged but also inspired millions of people to get active through cycling."

Peters exit

As well as Brailsford, Professor Steve Peters will step down as the British team's psychiatrist.

Peters now works with a range of other individuals and teams and will work with England's footballers ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

Peters said: "It has been an amazing 10 or so years and I consider myself fortunate to have been part of a team which has achieved such great things.

"However, I think the time is right for a change and I look forward to seeing the team prosper."

British Cycling President Bob Howden said: "Sir Dave and Steve Peters leave British Cycling with the thanks of everyone here. While he would be the first to direct credit to the riders, Sir Dave deserves all the praise that has come his way.

"The sport of cycling is better for Sir Dave and Steve being involved in it and we all look forward to even more success for both of them.

"Sir Dave will continue to help us achieve our goals through Team Sky by inspiring people to ride and supporting British riders."

Sutton said: "I've massively enjoyed working with Sir Dave over the years and we'll continue to work with him at Team Sky as it will remain a natural home for some of our elite male riders.

"He leaves a big hole but we have a fantastic system in place from playground to club to podium with a great team throughout the organisation and I am very confident looking ahead to Rio.

"Andy and I know we can always pick up the phone to Sir Dave but in the meantime we are looking forward to getting on with the business of winning medals and working with an exciting generation of talented British cyclists."