James slams UCI ruling change that threatens Olympic hopes

By Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat

CYCLIST Becky James has hit out at the sport's decision-makers after a recent rule change put a huge dent in her London 2012 glory bid. 

UNIMPRESSED: Becky James has seen her hopes of the competing at the London 2012 Olympics jeopardised by changes in qualification criteria (Getty Images)

World governing body, the UCI, announced earlier this year that only one competitor, or team, per nation would be allowed to enter each event in the capital in two years' time.

So while in the Laoshan Velodrome in Beijing, Great Britain claimed a one-two in three disciplines, James will now be forced to usurp Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton if she is to be selected for the individual sprint.

And while quick to insist she will not let the situation get her down, James admits she is less than impressed with the rulings of the powers-that-be.

"No one is impressed at all about the UCI's rulings," said James, who will face competition from Jessica Varnish and world BMX champion Shanaze Reade to partner Pendleton in the team sprint at London 2012. 

"Just because the GB team has done so well recently and at the Beijing Olympics - it's not really fair. 

"It should be that the best riders have the chance to win the medals so if the best two riders are from GB then they should get gold and silver just as it would be if the same rider was from France or somewhere else.

"It means it is going to be a very tough challenge and a lot harder to get to London 2012 but what is meant to be will be.

"All I can do is train hard for it now and if I am good enough at the time when the team is picked then that will be great.  London is still a big aim of mine and everything between now and then is a stepping stone for that."