Jody Cundy has been putting himself through elite competition for decades and now approaches a potential 20-year unbeaten run.
Atkinson was just two years old when Cundy first became world champion as a cyclist, after switching sports.
Cundy acknowledged the physical challenge ahead, noting that he is realistic about his age and athletic longevity.
The veteran athlete holds such high standing within the squad that his team-mates refer to him as"captain".
Despite his remarkable career, Cundy admitted facing formidable competition from younger rivals in the sport.
"I'm realistic in the fact I'll be 49 when it comes to LA and I'm no spring chicken any more,"Cundy said.
And yet Jody Cundy has been putting himself through it for decades.