As expected, British Cycling has put forward a very strong lineup for its home round of the UCI World Cup. The race, which is the final round of the series prior to the world championships in March, will also function as an Olympic test event as it uses the same velodrome which will be used for the London Games.
Olympic Gold medallists Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton (pictured), Jason Kenny, Ed Clancy and Geraint Thomas are amongst those who have been selected, and will want to perform strongly on home soil. Doing so would boost their confidence and also show rival nations such as Australia that Great Britain will be a force in the worlds and Olympics.
The country has not shown the same dominance of late as it did in the buildup to the Beijing Games, although British Cycling officials have downplayed the significance of this.
One of those, Performance Director Dave Brailsford, makes it clear that the team will be going all out in the February 17th to 19th event. “The World Cup in London has added significance given that it's the first major event to be held at the Olympic venue,” he stated.
“We are using the Test Event as a learning opportunity for our Olympic preparations and have selected a full-strength squad accordingly. The riders and staff are looking forward to gaining race experience at the London Velodrome and it’s always fantastic for us to have the support of a sell-out home crowd.”
Brailsford previously voiced dissatisfaction with the event being held in the Olympic velodrome, feeling that it took away some of the home advantage that the country would enjoy in the London Games. However it seems reasonable that other countries should have the same opportunity to ride those boards prior to this summer’s Olympics.
A total of sixteen riders have been selected. In addition to the aforementioned gold medallists, the team will include Matt Crampton (Sky Track Cycling), Ross Edgar and Jess Varnish in the sprint events, Steven Burke, Pete Kennaugh, Ben Swift and Andy Tennant in the men’s endurance and Wendy Houvenaghel, Dani King, Joanna Rowsell and Laura Trott in the women’s endurance races.
As is the case with the previous World Cups, points will be up for grabs which will determine Olympic qualification. For those battling for inclusion in London 2012, strong performances there and in the track worlds in Melbourne will be crucial.
British riders for London World Cup (February 17th to 19th)
Sprint
Matt Crampton (representing Sky Track Cycling)
Ross Edgar
Sir Chris Hoy
Jason Kenny
Victoria Pendleton
Jess Varnish
Men’s Endurance
Steven Burke
Ed Clancy
Pete Kennaugh
Ben Swift
Andy Tennant
Geraint Thomas
Women’s Endurance
Wendy Houvenaghel
Dani King
Joanna Rowsell
Laura Trott