47 Nations for Track Worlds

The UCI have declared the names of 47 countries who have qualified to enter teams for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Manchester this month.

The five day event commences on Wednesday 26th March with four key finals taking place on the first night. Britain's Bradley Wiggins is expected to be selected for the men's individual pursuit with qualifying in the morning session. The British team sprinters will be in action against tough teams like France, Netherlands, Germany and Australia. The fastest four teams from qualifying go through to contest the medals.

Only the Netherlands has qualified to compete in all of the events. The Dutch team will be hopeful of medals in the sprint and endurance events. Willy Kanis is likely to contest the women's 500m time trial and Marianne Vos will be among the favourites for women's scratch race. 200m world record holder and current men's sprint world champion Theo Bos will also be in action on the first night in the men's team sprint.

The British team qualified for all events except the women's team pursuit but can enter a team as host nation. The event debuts at the championships on Friday as will the British team likely to be led by Rebecca Romero

Tickets for Saturday have already sold out but tickets are still remaining for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

See the official web site at www.worldtrackcycling.com for information

Countries qualified to enter riders: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Spain, Estonia, France, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, China Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakstan, South Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Moldavia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Slovakia, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Ukraine, Uruguay, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Venezuela.