With interest in cycling in Britain at an all time high following successes in the Olympics and Tour de France plus Sky’s involvement in the sport, there is a large audience expected for three big track events in Manchester this autumn.
Jonny Clay, British Cycling’s Cycle Sport and Membership Director confirmed that there is a high level of interest for the opening round of cycling’s World Cup in Manchester on October 30 – November 1.
“We have already sold out seated tickets for Saturday and Sunday of the UCI Track Cycling World Cup,” he said. “I’m pleased to announce standing and track centre tickets will go on sale this Friday to make sure no fan misses out.”
Four time Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy and world and Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton are expected to headline the event. Pendleton will defend her keirin and sprint titles at the national championships one week earlier, while double world champion Sarah Storey will be defending her crown in the individual pursuit when she competes with the GB Para-Cycling team at the UCI Para-Cycling track world championships between 6 – 8 November.
Clay predicts some very good racing. “The three events we are staging in Manchester will provide ten days of exhilarating track action and entertainment for cycling fans, many of whom will be travelling a long distance to Manchester to watch their heroes in action.
“We are delighted to be hosting all three events in the same city over three consecutive weeks so that anyone in the North West region can see the world’s best cyclists compete on their doorstep.”
UK Sport’s Senior Event Consultant Simon Morton underlined the importance of the events, both for riders and officials working towards the Olympic Games.
“It is now under three years to go until the London Olympic and Paralympic Games take place, and it is great that Britain’s cyclists will be competing against world-class opponents in front of a home crowd,” he said.
“By staging such events in the countdown to 2012, we are not only giving the athletes a taste of what to expect but we are also enabling officials, volunteers and event managers to gain vital experience as well.”