Swift makes GB Olympic long list

Swift, who is in action in the Tour de Suisse this week, has vowed to do everything his power to make the final team to pull on the red, white and blue jerseys in London.

Speaking after the squad was announced, the former St Joseph’s Primary pupil said: “I am delighted to be able to announce I am on the long list of riders for the Men’s Olympic Road Race.”

“I am going to work my very hardest to make it in to the final team and represent my country in London.”

The man who began his racing career as a child at Rother Valley Country Park has found form this week, with third place in the third stage of the Tour de Suisse on Monday.

Team Sky sporting director said the finish was evidence that Swift is hitting form, after overcoming a shoulder injury earlier in the season: “It was a good result from Swifty and it shows he is in good shape.”

After Wednesday’s stage five Swift was sitting 80th in the general classification and fifth in the sprint standings.

The race in Switzerland finishes on Sunday after the 216km ninth stage.