Hoy steps up kilo preparation

Scotsman Chris Hoy will now ride both the sprint and kilometre time trial events at next month's Manchester Track World Cup in order to sharpen his form for the world championships and an attempt at Arnaud Tournant's kilometre world record in Bolivia in May.

"It's not often that I get the chance to ride the kilo in front of a home crowd, especially with the rainbow jersey on," said the 30 year-old from Edinburgh.

"It will be my second from last kilo before I go for the world record in May. I have not done much preparation for the kilo yet so it is important I keep the feel for it. After the world championships I will be focusing on the world record attempt."

Hoy appears to be on track to seriously challenge Tournant's record after claiming two gold medals during the weekend's world cup in Los Angeles, winning the keirin and helping Great Britain defeat France in the team sprint.