British Cycling loses coach behind Olympic sprint glory

A coach who helped Sir Chris Hoy become one of the country’s greatest Olympians is to leave British Cycling to take over as head coach of its German rival.

Jan van Eijden worked with sixtime Olympic champion Hoy, as well as Jason Kenny and Victoria Pendleton, as Team GB dominated the sprint discipline at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

The 45-year-old German focused on the women’s events during Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 but was unable to maintain the medal rush, with Britain’s female sprinters coming home empty-handed this summer.

Van Eijden, himself a two-time world champion cyclist, had long been coveted by his home federation, which has effectively offered him a promotion.

He spent his 15 years at British Cycling living both in the UK and his homeland, leaving his wife and children each week to travel to work in Manchester.

Van Eijden said: “I have had an amazing time at British Cycling, and I want to thank riders, colleagues and my friends for making my time at British Cycling unforgettable.

“I was privileged to be part of the best cycling team over the last 15 years. I will look forward to seeing my old friends back at the velodromes around the world.”

British Cycling performance director Stephen Park said: “Jan has made an extraordinary contribution to British Cycling over 15 years, having coached some of our most successful sprinters. He has also been a fantastic team-mate and supportive colleague. He will, of course, leave with our thanks and best wishes for the future.

“Jan’s departure will now be incorporated in our planning posttokyo as we build towards Paris and continue to ensure we are excellently prepared to support talented British riders to achieve their potential.”