British Cycling have announced that Shane Sutton has been appointed as the new technical director.

The news comes after Sir Dave Brailsford announced that he will step down as performance director in order to focus on his commitments with Team Sky.

Andy Harrison will keep his role as programmes director, with specific responsibility over the Great Britain Cycling Team's development programmes.

British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake said: "Firstly, I want to thank Sir Dave Brailsford for his enormous contribution to British Cycling – the organisation he leaves behind is transformed from the one we both joined in 1998.

"In Shane and Andy, I'm confident we have the right management team to take us into Rio and beyond. The sport of cycling in this country has travelled a long way in the last few years but the best is yet to come."

Sutton added: "Andy and I know we can always pick up the phone to Sir Dave but in the meantime we are looking forward to getting on with the business of winning medals and working with an exciting generation of talented British cyclists."

A new role of head of performance support will be created to strengthen the team ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.