Hindes in late sprint for London Olympics after teenager named in GB squad

German-born Philip Hindes has been included in Great Britain's squad for April's Track Cycling World Championships in Melbourne.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Krefeld in northern Germany but qualifies for Britain through his father, has been included in the men's sprint squad as they seek to resolve the problem surrounding the team sprint.

High hopes: Philip Hindes

Ross Edgar has been omitted from the team following last weekend's Track World Cup event at the  Olympic Velodrome in London.

Britain have struggled to fill the crucial starting spot since the retirement of Jamie Staff. Edgar took on the role in London, but it is likely Jason Kenny will start as man one at the World Championships, which take place from April 4-8 at the Hisense Arena. Hindes, who specialises in the  man one role, is likely to travel for experience as a reserve behind Kenny, Sir Chris Hoy and Matt Crampton.

After representing Germany at junior level, he joined British Cycling's Olympic academy  programme in October 2010. 

British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford said: 'In London, Ross Edgar was in the early stages of recovering from an injury and we think the best option for him now is to focus on his training in the gym and on the road over the next few months and as such he won't travel to Australia.

'This doesn't mean we have ruled him out of selection for the Olympics. The sprint coaches also feel Philip Hindes has shown great potential in training and therefore it would be good for his development to shadow the World Championships team this year.'

Britain won seven medals from 10 Olympic events at the Olympic Velodrome, but the men's team sprint squad have ground to make up on Germany and France if they are to retain their Olympic title. 

Encouragingly, Hoy, the totem of the entire team, was back to near his brutal, uncompromising best last weekend. 

The 35-year-old put on a  masterclass, storming to gold medals in the men's keirin  and sprint.

British squad for Track Cycling World Championships: Sprint: Matt Crampton, Philip Hindes, Sir Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny; Victoria Pendleton, Jess Varnish; Endurance: Steven Burke, Ed Clancy, Peter Kennaugh, Ben Swift, Geraint Thomas;  Wendy Houvenaghel,  Dani King, Joanna Rowsell, Laura Trott.

Posted in: 2012 London Olympic,London Olympics 2012