CAVENDISH IN OLYMPIC PURSUIT TRIALS

Mark Cavendish is undergoing trials at the Manchester velodrome in the next few days to determine whether he has the form to ride the individual pursuit for Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics (August 8-24).

British Cycling currently has a selection dilemma - Geraint Thomas was due to ride in the individual pursuit, but the event schedule has the final of the solo pursuit the night before team pursuit qualifications. Thomas is already a key part of the team pursuit line-up, and riding the individual pursuit will dull his performance the following morning.

Cavendish is already down to ride the Madison, partnering fellow Madison World Champion Bradley Wiggins (pictured, right), an event that is several days clear of the individual pursuit final, giving Cavendish plenty of time to recuperate.

If Cavendish's individual pursuit trials in Manchester are successful, he'll be undergoing more trials in Beijing when the GB team arrive in China during the first week of August.

After winning four stages, Cavendish withdrew from the Tour de France last week specifically to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games.

RELATED LINKS

British Olympic squad announced

Sky to support British team