TEAM GB’s fading men’s team pursuit of medal hopes suffered a devastating blow because leader Ed Clancy withdrew from the Olympics-and retired from cycling.

Clancy, 36, came to Tokyo to seek a fourth consecutive gold medal.

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But he took responsibility for the “uneven” performance in qualifying National standard In the first round on Tuesday, he ranked fourth and faced an unlikely task against world champion Denmark.

Now the British chief has confirmed that Clancy is not in the rest Olympic Games Due to “persistent back and sciatica problems”.

Clancy said: “I feel very frustrated that my Olympic career ended in this way, but now my back injury has worsened and trying to continue playing is unfair to me.

“In the end, I hope that the other boys will build on our hard work over the past year and a half and give them the best chance to be on the podium.

“I will always support them.”

Charlie Tanfield will replace Clancy with Ethan Hayter, Ethan Vernon and Ollie Wood.

Clancy added: “I spent more than 20 years in British Cycling Team I see it as my family.

“In my time, I have achieved more than my dreams. This is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

“It’s a kind of fun, if I can go back in time, I will start all over again.

“I know this is a difficult decision because I enjoy it now more than ever, but the hard choice is usually the right choice, and now is the time to leave.”

British performance director Stephen Parker said: “I admire Ed’s decision to quit this sport in which he is still passionate about it.

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“I know it was very difficult for him, but his professionalism and honesty allowed him to make this decision. He can hold his head high.

“Through his dominance in the team pursuit and three consecutive Olympic gold medals, Ed played an important role in pushing the event forward.

“Outside of cycling, Ed embodies the values ??of our team and has become a trusted mentor to his young teammates.”

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