Park challenges ‘snipers’ to do better

Stephen Park, British Cycling’s performance director, challenged his critics to “come and have a go” if they thought they could do any better as his team ended the Tokyo Games on a high yesterday.

Jason Kenny’s gold medal in the keirin lifted the number of medals won by Britain’s cyclists across all disciplines to 12, the same as at both London 2012 and Rio 2016, and just two short of the high set at Beijing 2008. It also defied gloomy predictions in the build-up.

Park, who ran the Royal Yachting Association’s Olympic programme until appointed by British Cycling in 2016, is referred to by some as a “sailor” who knows nothing about cycling. “We’ve had a few tough years at British Cycling, different people taking different views,” he said.

“The question was whether we could maintain top-team status. For those listening, three years ago I was saying the dominance of the track would not be the same because of the movement in equipment. That’s proven to be the case.

“The question then was whether we could still create the environment that was going to allow our very best athletes to perform under pressure. It’s a relief and pleasing that’s happened, not just on the track but across other disciplines.”

Park said he did not know whether the “sniping” would stop.

“No idea, I doubt it,” he said. “And frankly, there is a bit of … if you want to keep shouting, if you want to keep sniping, then feel free to give me a call. I’ll make sure there’s a bike available if you think you’re good enough. Just rock up and come and have a go. Because there’s not one of these people who would have beaten the riders who were on the track here. Not one of them. Not even close.”