Minor blow for Britain as Australia to host 2012 World Track Champs

Britain’s hopes for the 2012 World Track Championships were dealt a minor blow with news that Melbourne will host the event.

For Great Britain’s track cyclists, it means an intensive winter of World Cup qualifying events to gain entry for Melbourne before the Olympics in London. 

For the Australians, it cuts their travelling time noticeably. It is the second time that Melbourne has hosted the event, after coinciding it with the 2004 Athens Olympics, again reducing time spent travelling.

Manchester hosted the 2008 round, which worked in the home nation’s favour, with nine gold medals for Britain and none for Australia.

“Cycling events are a terrific fit for iconic Melbourne – our cyclists are among the best in the world, our venues are outstanding and our audiences are enthusiastic and vocal,” said Australian Sports Minister, James Merlino.

“This is the second time Victoria will host this prestigious and exciting track cycling event – in 2004 the Track Worlds were a resounding success at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena and we look forward to hosting another successful Championships in 2012,” said Merlino.