Team GB's cycling performance director Dave Brailsford tipped for knighthood

Performance director Dave Brailsford could soon become 'Sir Dave' (Getty Images)

Dave Brailsford the performance director is rumoured to become “Sir Dave” after the cycling team's incredible Olympics performance.

Brailsford and his team of more than 20 staff have seen their riders claim 12 medals from a total of 14 road and track events, including eight golds.

The gold count matches Beijing — but this time each nation has only been allowed to enter one competitor in each track discipline, making the haul even more impressive.

In Athens the team won four golds.

Brailsford, 48 is credited with “professionalising” cycling, securing funding to pay competitors rather than having them train after work.

He focuses on the “aggregation of marginal gains”, examining almost every detail, down to the pillows used by cyclists and how they wash their hands.

Other key staff include sports psychologist Steve Peters, described by Brailsford as “the best appointment I’ve made”. He has helped riders control and eliminate irrational thoughts.

Head coach Shane Hutton, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, acts as a mentor for other coaches.

Road race specialist Rod Ellington works for Team Sky with Brailsford in the Tour de France, and has been described by top sprinter Mark Cavendish as “the best coach in the world”.

The Sprint coach, German Jan van Eijden, is part of the team built around keirin gold medallist Victoria Pendleton.