Rowe Ready To Ride For Wales At 2018 Commonwealths

Olympic and world champion Dani Rowe is set to ride for Wales at next year’s Commonwealth Games after switching allegiance from England.

Rowe – formerly King, who married Welsh cyclist Matt Rowe last year, announced her decision posting a picture in a Welsh cycling jersey.

The 27-year-old struck Team Pursuit gold in London 2012 and also has three world titles but has focussed on the roads in recent years.

“I can finally announce that I’m hoping to be considered for selection for Team Wales for the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” said Rowe, in a social media announcement.

“My connections with Wales and Welsh Cycling go back to 2009 when I started to be coached by Courtney Rowe- the Father of my Husband Matt.

“I have therefore had a strong affinity and love for the country where I now live and call home, for the whole of my professional cycling career.

“I owe a massive thank you to Commonwealth Games England, Commonwealth Games Wales, Sport Wales, Welsh Cycling and British Cycling who have all been hugely supportive in helping me with wanting to do this.

“Sport Wales and Welsh Cycling have also been incredibly generous in allowing me to use their fantastic facilities such as the Velodrome in Newport and the Welsh Institute of Sport for my strength and conditioning program since I’ve expressed my desire to want to represent Wales.

“Wales is a country that has produced so many incredible cyclists, and if selected I hope I can continue to do the country proud in the Gold Coast.”

Born in Hampshire, Rowe has lived in Cardiff for several years. She married Matt – brother of Team Sky ace Luke – at Llandaff Cathedral last year.

The couple’s wedding reception was held at St Tewdrics House in Chepstow which is owned by Wales’ 2014 Commonwealth Games road race champ Geraint Thomas who also rides for Team Sky.

Three years ago she suffered a serious crash after hitting a hidden pothole while on a training ride near Merthyr Tydfil,  suffering a snapped rib cage and punctured lung which left her in hospital for 10 days.

Rowe has joined the Dutch outfit WaowDeals Pro Cycling team for 2018 having focussed on a road career for the past couple of years.

Speaking at the time of her move, she said: ”The transfer to this team is an amazing opportunity for me.

“My career as a road cyclist is still young. This year, I have ridden many races for the first time, and I hope to prove next year that I have improved as a road cyclist and that I am more experienced. I also want to be strong for the Commonwealth Games.”