British Cycling reportedly sack men's endurance coach after 'rider revolt'
Heiko Salzwedel apparently escorted out of Manchester Velodrome by security

Heiko Salzwedel with Bradley Wiggins in 2015
British Cycling have reportedly sacked men's endurance coach Heiko Salzwedel, with security marching him out of the National Cycling Centre in Manchester after an apparent "rider revolt".
According to a Daily Mail report, Salzwedel, who has headed up the men's endurance programme since October 2014 and coached the team pursuit squad to a gold medal at the Rio Olympics, was "made to feel like a criminal" as he was escorted out of the Manchester Velodrome on Wednesday.
The 60-year-old had arrived at work expecting to continue the final preparations for next week's European Track Championships, but was apparently dismissed following "clashes" with a number of riders.
>>> Women's version of Team Sky could be created by British Cycling for top female riders
The sacking brings an end to Salzwedel's third stint at British Cycling, having previously served as performance manager from 2001 to 2002, and 2008 to 2012. In between those periods, the German had also directed the T-Mobile development team, which brought the likes of Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas, and Ian Stannard through the ranks.
Salzwedel's latest appointment at British Cycling had seen considerable success, culminating in the men's team pursuit squad winning gold at the Rio Olympics. His appointment was also considered crucial in convincing Bradley Wiggins to return to the track ahead of the Games.
However despite his success, Salzwedel has not always enjoyed a positive relationship with all riders, with Mark Cavendish among those to criticise his approach.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
I rode every cobbled street in my city and punctured twice, but I still can't resist the rumble of the stones
Forget smooth tarmac, it's cobble season
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Can anyone stop Primož Roglič or Juan Ayuso from winning the Giro d’Italia?
Roglič and Ayuso's form suggest they are the two outright favourites for overall victory in Rome next month
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Class of 2025: Meet the 12 British cyclists who turned pro this year
A bounteous 12 Brits have stepped up to the pro ranks in 2025. Tom Davidson traces the skyward trajectories of a former runner, an adoptive Italian, and the WorldTour’s youngest rider
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British Continental team insist they will race in 2025 despite fraud accusations against Swiss backer
Hess Cycling say allegations against team owner are part of a wider 'smear campaign'
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
No elite women met selection criteria for upcoming Cyclo-cross World Championships, says British Cycling
Great Britain also not sending under-23 men’s squad to event in northern France next weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British Cycling reveals National Road and Circuit Series calendar for 2025
Ryedale GP missing from Road Series after final edition in 2024, while south-west round is added
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tanfield brothers in race against clock to form new UCI Continental team
British riders have until 6 December to form new squad after collapse of Saint Piran and Trinity Racing
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘It’s unprofessional and I’m p****d off’: Riders and staff learned of British Continental team’s decision to close via social media
A handful of team personnel only learned on social media that they would not have jobs in 2025 after Saint Piran's demise
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Fancy dressing the next generation of Olympic champions? British Cycling is on the hunt for an apparel engineer
You can earn at least £52,000 a year if you fancy working on skinsuits and overshoes for BC
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling CEO says there is 'no easy solution' to 20mph restrictions issue faced by UK race organiser
Junior Tour of Wales hit by last minute route change in August due to 11 kilometres of 20mph zones on course
By Tom Thewlis Published