Shane Sutton was one of the leading cyclists on the British professional scene in the 1980s and early 1990s, the highlight of his career being victory in the 1990 Milk Race.

These days, the Australian is an integral part of the British Cycling team, where he has fulfilled various roles, from head coach to senior manager. Most know him, however, as a Mr Motivator-type figure, able to encourage and inspire through his enthusiasm and by the sheer the force of his personality.

Sutton has worked with all the top British cyclists, including the sprinters. And the most decorated of them, Sir Chris Hoy, has summed up Sutton's qualities: "Shane has no ego at all. When you do well, he doesn't step forward to bask in the glory, he steps back. For such a larger-than-life character, he is actually very modest."

With Team Sky Sutton will be stepping back into the Head Coach role, while also, along with Steve Peters and Dave Brailsford, remaining a member of the senior management team at British Cycling.

"I'll oversee the riders' programmes," says Sutton of Team Sky. "I'll also perform a mentoring role to the younger coaches and sports directors. I'll be responsible for performance, making sure we're getting 100% from the riders and that they're getting the same back from us."

Having moved to Britain, to join the professional circuit, in 1984, Sutton has been UK-based for almost half his life. On retiring as a rider he began working as a coach with the Welsh national team, moving into the British set-up in 2001.

"It's all about the mission," he says. "On the track the mission was to win Olympic medals. On the road it's to be the best sporting team in the world. With the riders we've picked, the sports directors we've selected, and with the technology that Sky will bring to it, I'm sure that's achievable.

"What we'll bring is commitment," continues Sutton. "It's a very exciting journey we're setting out on, but it's important to keep our feet on the ground. But we'll be 100%, 24/7, because cycling is our life."