Staff was made ambassador for sport by Ashford last month

Ashford's Olympic cycling champion Jamie Staff has had his funding guaranteed for the next year.

Staff was part of the men's team sprint team that claimed gold early in the Summer Games in Beijing.

The 35-year-old recently added a first place in the first round of the World Cup series to his Olympic title.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "I think they have the potential to extend your funding to four years but I can't just show up and not put effort in."

Staff was also relieved to get back into competition after a frantic spell of personal experiences in the wake of his gold medal.

His commitments have involved a civic reception in his home town of Ashford, television commentary, and an appearance on the Jonathan Ross show.

"It was so intense going to the Games, people have no idea. You have to just let your hair down and give yourself a mental break.

"You have to restrict your appearances to an extent but they let you get away with it. In March, come World Cup time, you won't be allowed to do anything like that."

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