Kate Bates on the start line at Tour Down Under women's crit series 2004. (Image credit: AIS)
The Australian Elite Track Championships host state of News South Wales has been weakened by the news that current World Champion Kate Bates and 2008 Beijing Olympic hopeful Ben Kersten will both sit out the competition due to viral infections.
Rival state Victoria are sending a 31-member team led by former individual pursuit World Champion Katie Mactier and one of the most powerful sprint groups assembled by one state. Mark French, Shane Perkins and multiple World Champion Shane Kelly, 2007 Junior World Champion Glenn O'Shea, Leigh Howard and rising female star Tess Downing.
The action starts with the AWD's and all interest will be on ACT's Michael Milton who is continuing on with his quest to represent at the Olympics in not just two sport but a Winter and Summer classification.
Cycling NSW hosts the 2008 Australian Elite Track Championships starting Monday 4th February through to Sunday 10th February at the Dunc Gray Velodrome, Bass Hill.
Tickets and program information are available at www.nsw.cycling.org.au.
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