Australia's hopes of a medal in the mountain biking event in Tokyo next month rest on the shoulders of a Canberra married couple - the McConnells.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Daniel McConnell and Bec McConnell are looking forward to their combined seventh Olympic Games come Tokyo.
The pair were two of the cycling team announced alongside four BMX riders on Wednesday. Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman welcomed the riders to the team for Tokyo.
"Today is a fantastic accomplishment not just for the riders but for Australian Cycling, their coaches, families, friends and supporters who have helped them achieve today's selection," he said.
"Dan, as a four-time Olympian, and Rebecca and Lauren, both off to their third Games, will all earn a special place in Australian Olympic history in Tokyo and their selection is a reflection of their incredible commitment, perseverance and talent over such a long period of time."
The team's announcement on Wednesday came with a shock.
Two-time Olympian Caroline Buchanan was left out of the team, with debutants Saya Sakakibara and Natalya Diehm chosen.
The 30-year-old Buchanan had utilised the Games' delay for a shot at her third Olympics, after an off-road vehicle accident in Cooma in 2017 left her with a broken sternum.