With an impressive line up of sprinters confirmed for Manchester Revolution on October 14, including World Champions Theo Bos and Mickael Bourgain, the scene is set: British star Craig MacLean is one of the home riders facing the international challenge potentially setting up a rematch against Bos, who beat MacLean to the sprint world title earlier this year.
MacLean has already enjoyed some pre-season success against the Dutch sprinter racing in the Japanese Keirin Series over the summer, "Japan was very successful this time," he said. "Out of four races I had two wins, a second place and a win in a minor final. As a result I was best overall international rider which with riders like Ryan Bayley, Theo fast Dutch bloke Bos and Mickael Bourgain all competing was a pretty good achievement."
Despite these victories, the Scottish sprinter is keeping his cards close to his chest in advance of the imminent track season. "Form was obviously good in Japan but I'm still unsure how it has affected preparation for the coming season as it is hard to train effectively while out there. It would be great to get one over on Theo but I don’t want to show my hand too early in the season! For my confidence it will be good to be consistent in the match sprint as I think I can go one better than last season."
MacLean looks forward to more individual success but also knows the importance of the team event. "One of my objectives will be to re-establish myself as a key member of the Team Sprint," he continued. "Revolution is very important part of our preparation, especially with regard to the Team Sprint. If you look at our race programme from now to Beijing, we have very few opportunities to try out different formations. The Revolution provides us with the ideal environment to collect crucial data which will determine selection over the next two years, so it will be an important test for the whole squad."
With this in mind, the first Revolution on October 14 will provide an exciting challenge with five teams lined up for a Team Sprint finale. MacLean will be joined by Scottish team mates Chris Hoy and Ross Edgar with English riders Jamie Staff, Jason Queally and Matt Crampton racing for Science in Sport. Junior Team Sprint World Champion Jason Kenny will team up with Bos and Bourgain with Kenny’s team mates Christian Lyte joining Roberto Chiappa and Jan Van Eijden and David Daniell joining Eleisha Green and Marco Librizzi.
For more information and to buy tickets got to www.cyclingrevolution.com
