ABERGAVENNY’S Becky James has had more than her fair share of bad luck in recent years but Geraint Thomas believes his fellow Welsh cycling star will be back to her best in the build up to Rio, writes Pippa Field.

James was crowned double world champion in 2013 but since then has faced prolonged periods on the sidelines due to injury and health concerns.

The 23-year-old is now fit again and building towards a comeback and a spot in Great Britain’s team for Rio 2016.

And Thomas is keen to see James back on the bike and aiming to regain the form that saw her conquer the world two years ago.

“Becky used to rent a house off me in Manchester and I certainly keep an eye on what’s going on,” said Thomas.

“It will be great to see her stay injury-free and illness-free. When she won those world titles in the same year, she probably only had about two months injury- and illness-free. That’s what happens, she’s got that talent.

“So hopefully she can get a bit of luck really and stay injury-free.

“Coming back from injuries and illness is the hardest thing, staying committed, especially with Becky who had had quite a few issues.

“All you want to do is just be riding your bike. She’s a strong character and hopefully it will come right for her.”

For Thomas – who is a two-time Olympic and triple World champion in the team pursuit – it is also all eyes on Rio, but this time the tarmac will be home as he looks to make an impact in the road race.

But before then he will head back to the capital for the first time since London 2012 for this weekend’s Revolution Series.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Revolution Series,” Thomas added. “It’s the first time I would have done it since before the London 2012 Olympics.

“It does help turn attention to Rio, but you can’t stay at the top, winning everything all the time.

“Since 2007, where I think we won about six or seven golds at the Track World Champs and then Beijing 2008 was amazing, Manchester Worlds in 2012 was amazing and then obviously London.

“You can’t keep doing that. But hopefully they will start turning it around now this winter and they’ll come out firing. I’ve got all confidence they will perform in Rio.”

To watch Geraint Thomas in action at the Revolution Series in London and Glasgow you can buy tickets at www.cyclingrevolution.com or watch the action live on Eurosport. Full TV schedule on www.cyclingrevolution.com/eurosport