2012 Cycling on track

On a two-day trip to London to discuss progress and visit Cycling venue sites, he said he had no doubt the city would make an excellent host.

McQuaid said: "I am sure the London Games will be of the highest standard, from both an organisational and a competition point of view.

"London is a great cycling city, with more and more people being encouraged to get on their bikes, so I'm sure we'll have great support from the crowds during the Games."

With the introduction of BMX as an Olympic discipline at the Beijing Games, McQuaid also predicted an enthusiastic interest from young people in 2012 and beyond.

He said: "BMX is a sport that's a lot of fun and cheap for children to get into, so it will attract a lot of young people.

"That interest is great for Cycling as a whole - we've seen athletes like top UK Track rider Jamie Staff progress from BMX to other Cycling disciplines.

"The Games will inspire people to be involved in Cycling and the fact that the tracks are being left will enable athletes to be involved in our sport long after 2012."

20 June 2006