Pendleton, Hoy lead all-star British nationals line-up

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Great Britain will have an all-star cast at its national track championships this year, with Briton’s top riders using the Manchester meet to prepare for the International Cycling Union (UCI) Track World Cup. The World Cup series starts one week later at the same venue.

Beijing Olympic Games gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy is relishing the opportunity to test his form at the October 20-24 event. “I'm sure it's going to be a very tough National Track Championships this year, with the likes of Jason Kenny, Matt Crampton, David Daniell and Ross Edgar,” said Hoy. “There are going to be a whole host of guys fighting for that Gold medal.”

World Champion Victoria Pendleton will have to battle the younger generation in order to keep her keirin and sprint national titles. Pendleton will take on 17 year-old two-time Junior World Champion Becky James and 18 year-old Jessica Varnish in the events.

The big name cyclists will be joined by another Olympian at the national championships, with bronze medallist skier Alain Baxter looking to continue his transition from the winter Olympics to track racing.

British Cycling’s Jonny Clay labeled the event a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of riders to challenge their idols. “The National Track Championships is a hugely important event in the Track racing calendar,” said Clay. “It provides a fantastic opportunity for up and coming riders to compete against the top names in cycling for the honour of being national champion.”

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