SPORTS therapy students at the University of Central Lancashire will be treated to the expertise of British Olympic Cycling team's top physiotherapist.

Gavin Thomas, 39, from Cumbria described his experiences in Athens this summer as "a dream come true".

He has been the chartered physio for the Team GB cyclists since 2001 and helped them win win four medals, including a gold, in Athens.

Gavin said: "I felt elated to see our cyclists do so well, especially as I have worked with them for so long, it was a very emotional time.

"We had four riders who had little niggles -- muscle strains, bruising and joint soreness from falls.

"We strapped and contained bruising to prevent more muscle damage, and used treatments with ultra sound, heat, ice, stretching and massage."

After years of travelling with the team, Gavin has decided it was time to settle down and is looking forward to encouraging a younger generation into his field when term starts next week.

Gavin will lecture three days at UCLan and is still working with the GB Cycling Team for two days a week at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester.