By Mal Sawford in Bordeaux
The pinnacle of track cycling returns to France for 2006, with the fast Bordeaux track to host the event after the last two years were held in Los Angeles (2005) and Melbourne (2004). Racing promises to be fascinating, with virtually all the defending champions returning. Close to 300 riders from 38 countries will participate across the four days of competition, with fifteen gold medals to be awarded.
Racing kicks off on Thursday with the first medal the women's 500 metre time trial. Australian World record holder and Olympic champion Anna Meares showed signs of a return to her 2004 form with a win in the Commonwealth Games, but will have to overcome not only her older sister Kerrie, but Russia's defending champion Natallia Tsylinskaya.
