Barker gearing up for hectic 2018 after rejoining Wiggle High5

The Rio 2016 team pursuit gold medallist had been part of the team – then known as Wiggle-Honda – for their debut season in 2013-14.

But the 23-year-old, who is currently competing at the UCI Road World Championships, has made the switch back having been on Matrix Fitness' books since 2015.

She will also return as a multiple world as well as Olympic champion, taking team pursuit glory in 2013 and 2014, while earlier this year Barker was atop the podium on her own as the points race gold medallist in Hong Kong.

"I think 2018 for me is set to be pretty busy," she said.

"Between my winter track programme and the World and European Championships and Commonwealth Games through the spring and summer, I plan to get in as much racing as possible in with Wiggle High5.

"I'm excited to step up to World Tour level and to start ticking off some bucket-list races."

Barker's hectic schedule will see her competing on both the road and track for Wales in April's Commonwealth Games – with a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games the definite long-term aim.

But before thoughts turn to three years' time, the focus now is on maintaining the form that took her to the top of the world – at a team which helped her get there in the first place.

Sporting director Rochelle Gilmore said: "As our first confirmed signed athlete for 2018 I am extremely proud and excited to be welcoming Elinor back to the team which she helped create back in 2013, along with Laura Trott, Jo Rowsell and Dani King.

"Our British registered team experienced a rapid and overwhelming growth of fan support during our first years. Elinor Barker was one of the world-class athletes who trusted a new organisation to support her career.

"I'm honoured and humbled to have her, now as an Olympic Champion, choosing to rejoin Wiggle High5 in order to further support her future aspirations."

Sportsbeat 2017