Chris Hoy’s ambition of trying to repeat the historic three gold medals he won in Beijing 2008 has been dashed following confirmation that British selectors have opted for the younger Jason Kenny rather than the Scot.
Up and coming Kenny forced his way into the picture when he finished second in the sprint event at the track world championships in March, beating Hoy in the semi final. Hoy had to be content with the bronze medal. Kenny took bronze in the Keirin event, which Hoy won.
The selectors have chosen the latter for the Keirin, Both riders will compete in the team sprint, along with Philip Hindes.
Hoy showed generosity in congratulating Kenny on his selection. “Whilst I’m obviously disappointed not to be defending all three of my 2008 Olympic titles in London, Jason thoroughly deserves this opportunity and has a great chance of success in the sprint,” he said. “I’m now focussed entirely on the Keirin and Team Sprint and my goals for these two events haven’t changed.”
Kenny was awarded the 2011 sprint gold medal earlier this year when Gregory Bauge was disqualified over whereabouts issues.
The Frenchman bounced back to defeat Kenny in this year’s final.
British Cycling Performance Director Dave Brailsford said that he believes the best selection had been made. “We have now finalised our selection for the track events and in particular we have made the decision over who will ride the Sprint. Both Chris and Jason are on great form and that made it a difficult choice but we have decided to select Jason to contest the sprint and Chris will concentrate on the Keirin. We believe this gives us the strongest team possible going into the Games."
Hoy is riding his last Olympics, as is multiple world and Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton. She has been confirmed for the women’s Keirin and sprint, as well as the team sprint with Jess Varnish.
Also confirmed today are the line-ups for the endurance events. Ed Clancy and Laura Trott will do the men’s and women’s Omnium respectively, while Clancy, Steven Burke, Pete Kennaugh, Andy Tennant and Geraint Thomas will be available for selection for the team pursuit.
Trott, Joanna Rowsell, Wendy Houvenaghel and Dani King are the squad for the women’s pursuit.
British track racing team for London 2012:
Men’s Team Sprint: Philip Hindes, Sir Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny (Reserve – Ross Edgar)
Women’s Team Sprint: Victoria Pendleton, Jess Varnish (Reserve – Becky James)
Men’s Team Pursuit: Steven Burke, Ed Clancy, Pete Kennaugh, Andy Tennant, Geraint Thomas
Women’s Team Pursuit: Wendy Houvenaghel, Dani King, Joanna Rowsell, Laura Trott
Men’s Sprint: Jason Kenny
Women’s Sprint: Victoria Pendleton
Men’s Keirin: Sir Chris Hoy
Women’s Keirin:Victoria Pendleton
Men’s Omnium: Ed Clancy
Women’s Omnium: Laura Trott