Old rivalries die hard at Revolution

The Revolution series continues at the Manchester Velodrome on October 20th, where the sprinters are set to battle for glory on the boards that will host the World Championships next year. The normally friendly competition could fuel serious rivalry when British sprinter Jamie Staff meets US Sprint champion Michael Blatchford.

The two riders clashed at the LA world cup in 2006 where Staff was disqualified following an altercation where he threw his helmet at the American. The riders haven't seen each other since and with plenty of tension between the two the scene is set for an epic GB verses USA head to head.

New British Kilo champion Jamie Staff didn't mince his words at the prospect of meeting the American again, "I haven't really seen or spoken to him since the incident" he commented. "The track is a dangerous place, and I don't take kindly to people risking my health in or out of competition! I'm over it now and hopefully at Revolution I'll win, if I have an ounce of speed I should beat him."

Blatchford was more reserved in his judgment of the situation and is looking to redeem himself in the eyes of the more experienced Brit. "In the heat of competition a lot can happen" he said. "With regard to the LA World Cup, the officials ruled on any deemed infractions by which both parties abided by. The truth is, ever since I met Jamie in Encino, California I have held him in high respect and always strived to achieve the level of ability and success he has had. Whilst I cannot speak for Jamie, what is past is past and I look forward to a rematch."

Rivalries aside Blatchford is also looking forward to the experience of racing Revolution and understands the challenge the event will pose, "The Revolution series has always come across as one of the premier events in track cycling. Home town advantage is always hard for foreigners to overcome, and with the level of British Cycling at its finest I am hoping to hold my own."

Staff and Blatchford will resolve their differences in a Match sprint and Keirin event and with 2004 Keirin World Champion Jose Antonio Escuredo and team-mate Itmar Esteban in the line up their will be plenty of competition to enhance the action. British stars Craig MacLean, Jason Queally and Jason Kenny will be joined by Junior World Champions Dave Daniell, Christian Lyte and Pete Mitchell to complete the line up.

Tickets for Revolution on October 20th are on sale at www.cyclingrevolution.com or by calling 07005 942 579 or 0161 223 2244.