BECKY James has had to endure some torrid times in recent years but Sir Chris Hoy believes her rollercoaster Olympic cycle could end with her standing on the podium at Rio 2016, writes Frank Smith.

James, from Abergavenny, became a double world champion in 2013 and was looking to establishing herself at the top of her sport for years to come.

But by the start of 2014 the 24-year-old was forced to spend a spell on the sidelines due to a complex knee problem and also needed an operation after abnormalities were found in her cervix.

The comeback trail was a long one but at the World Track Championships in March James bagged a bronze in the keirin.

And this summer she will be competing in her first Olympic Games with Sir Chris predicting the Welsh rider will be one to watch.

“I think the best chance of success in the women’s sprint squad is Becky James in the keirin,” said Sir Chris, who is Britain’s most successful Olympian with six golds.

“She came back from a long-term injury to win a surprise bronze medal at the World Championships in London so with that extra preparation and time since to get over the injury, then physically she should be in better shape.

“And mentally she has got it: she has the experience and tactical ability [to medal] - but the keirin is a tricky event; to nail the tactics and have the power and speed at the same time.”

The 40-year-old was speaking at Six Day London’s ‘Inside Track with Sir Chris Hoy’ event this week in London.

Six Day London, which was launched in 2015, sees some of the world’s best cyclists competing over the course of six nights at the Lee Valley VeloPark in a party-like atmosphere.

And Sir Chris was in bullish mood when he was asked about Team GB’s chances in the cycling at Rio 2016 – the first Olympic Games in 20 years where the Scot won’t be competing.

The 11-time world champion said: “I think Team GB will be the top nation in the cycling. They won’t dominate in the same way that we have at the last two Games before Rio 2016 but I am expecting four gold medals and maybe three minor medals – with the potential of five gold medals.

“They will play that down but that is what I think they can achieve: [I expect golds] in the men and women’s team pursuit, Laura Trott in the omnium, Jason Kenny at least one gold medal and then you have Mark Cavendish in the omnium, Kenny in his two other events, Becky James as well.

“Four or five gold medals are not unachievable at all and if they do that then they will be the top performing nation.”

Six Day London takes place between 25-30 October 2016 at Lee Valley VeloPark on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Half term fun, with or without the kids. Tickets on sale now at www.sixday.com