British Cycling has confirmed today that it is to host the first round of the 2009/2010 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics at the Manchester Velodrome from 30 October to 1 November.
The event will be the first major international event of the season following on from the 2008/2009 season finale UCI Track Cycling World Championships taking place in Poland this week.
The Manchester event, which will feature high profile British Olympic and World Champions, is being supported by Manchester City Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and UK Sport.
British Cycling CEO Ian Drake said: “It is great news that British Cycling has been awarded this high profile event in 2009 and demonstrates our ability and intention to host an increasing number of major international events in the UK in the run up to London 2012. It will be a great opportunity for the growing number of cycling fans in the UK to see the British Cycling Team in action on home soil and I am confident this will help to inspire more people to participate in our sport.”
Eamonn O’Rourke, Head of Leisure, Manchester City Council said: “Manchester is delighted to be chosen as hosts for the UCI World Cup Classic this Autumn. The 2008 World Track Championships in Manchester was a tremendous success, undoubtedly contributing to Great Britain’s Olympic success in Beijing and the hosting of this event represents a significant milestone in the preparations for London 2012, not only the athletes but all those associated with British Cycling.
”This is also great news for our city’s residents, many of whom will be able to take part in the extensive legacy activities. We are also looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to sample Manchester’s renowned hospitality.”
Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the NWDA, said: “Manchester’s reputation as the perfect place to host international events is strengthened by the announcement that yet another world class sporting event will be held here.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to see world class cycling on their doorsteps and for people to visit Manchester and the region to see the rich assets that enable us to keep on attracting such prestigious events.
“Major events make a significant contribution to the local economy and we are pleased to have been able to work with our partners to bring the Track Cycling World Cup to Manchester once again.”
UK Sport’s Acting Senior Events Consultant, Simon Morton, said: “We are delighted that the UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics will once again be held at the Manchester Velodrome. Great Britain has a wonderful record in hosting this event and it will provide yet another opportunity for the British public to see their Olympic heroes perform on home soil.”
The UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics was held in Manchester in 2008, when capacity crowds roared home Olympic heroes such as Bradley Wiggins and Victoria Pendleton.