BATTLE FOR BEIJING CONTINUES IN DENMARK
A massive 370 riders will descend on the Ballerup velodrome in Copenhagen this weekend for the final round of the track world cup.
With all world championship and Olympic qualifying places still not decided, plenty of nations remain under pressure to perform.
20 British riders have made the short journey with worlds preparation a more pressing matter than Olympic qualification. Only the Madison has a small question mark remaining for the British team who are currently ranked ninth nation, with the top 13 qualifying.
Jonny Bellis and Peter Kennaugh will ride as a 100% ME team after two victories in UIV cup races, while Rob Hayles will pair up with Geraint Thomas in GB colours.
?We?ve not nailed Madison qualification but we can cement our ninth position,? GB Track Manager Shane Sutton said. ?It?s become a stage race. The people in ninth are racing the people in tenth, who are racing the people in eleventh. Everyone?s defending their own position, but it?s made for some good racing.?
Although not in need of qualification points, the British team pursuit squad will look to strengthen their position as favourites before they defend their title in Manchester.
Here, Olympic Academy rider Steven Burke is set to make his debut with the senior squad, ?Burkey very solid in the line, the guys have taken to him and he?s doing a good job,? Sutton said.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Burke?s presence is partly to allow Chris Newton to concentrate on his Points race qualification.
Victoria Pendleton is making her return to competition after a knee injury set her back, ?she?s had quite a bit of tightening of her IT band. She?s been getting lot of treatment and what with missing LA and picking up an injury she?s just getting back on track now.?
Chris Hoy also returns from illness to do the unthinkable and take his run of straight international Keirin victories past the 20 mark.
Elsewhere, both Rebecca Romero and Wendy Houvenhagel are chasing qualification points for the women?s pursuit, while BMX star Shanaze Reade will have another crack at the 500m TT, the event in which she finished fifth at the world champs in her first ever attempt at the distance.
Great Britain
Paul Manning
Rob Hayles
Chris Newton
Geraint Thomas
Ed Clancy
Steven Burke
Rebecca Romero
Chris Hoy
Jamie Staff
Craig MacLean
Anna Blyth
Science In Sport
Matt Crampton
Ross Edgar
Jason Kenny
Jason Queally
Wendy Houvenaghel
Victoria Pendleton
Shanaze Reade
Team 100% Me
Jonny Bellis
Peter Kennaugh
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Forget distance covered, these are the key stats to note in your Strava Year in Sport
We asked a coach how to best analyse our end of year Strava data
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'She should show a bit more respect' - Lotte Kopecky responds to Demi Vollering comments
The pair seemingly had one last fractious year together at SD Worx-Protime in 2024
By Tom Davidson Published