World Omnium champion to hone his bunch racing skills on the way to defending his title
Ed Clancy will be providing a much-needed boost to the Rapha-Condor team at the season finale at the Manchester Vélodrome on January 15th. The World Omnium champion returns to his home track after travelling to both World Cup Classic events in Melbourne, Australia and Cali, Colombia; he took third place in Melbourne and won in Cali, and now leads the World Cup overall.
“I’m really excited to return to Revolution and to make my debut for the new team,” said Clancy. “I’ve been following the competition whilst I’ve been away at the World Cups so hopefully Andy [Tennant] and I can help salvage some pride for the team and win the final event.”
Although Clancy is the Omnium World champion, the event has changed since he took his title in Ballerup, Denmark last March. Race distances have been changed, and events added, as the International Cycling Union (UCI) hopes to make it the blue riband event of the London 2012 Olympics.
“I’ve been getting to grips with the Olympic Omnium format over the past couple of months so I’m really pleased with the results from the World Cups,” he explained. “I’ll just be riding the Team Pursuit at the Beijing and Manchester World Cups but will be looking to defend my Omnium world title at the World Championships.
“I’ve been doing really well against the clock but need to improve in the bunch races. Revolution will be perfect preparation for this with short sharp races including Omnium disciplines like the Elimination.”
It will be a busy day for Clancy, who will be riding in the Great Britain Madison Championships on the afternoon before the Revolution event.
Tickets for the Revolution event, and the national Madison Championships can be purchased from www.cyclingrevolution.com or by calling 0843 208 1840.