After dominating its home leg in Manchester earlier in the month, the Great Britain team has announced a much-reduced line-up for the next round in Melbourne Australia next week. Most of the riders named were present in the Manchester round, but there are a number of notable absences.
Sprinter Ross Edgar is the lone Sky+HD rider to make the long journey, leaving teammates Sir Chris Hoy, Jamie Staff and Victoria Pendleton behind. Consequently, the trade team will likely lose its lead in the overall World Cup competitions – Men’s sprint and team sprint, and women’s sprint – that it took in Manchester.
The Great Britain team itself will be unable to capitalise on Team Sky+HD’s absence form the team sprint competition as it is only taking two men sprinters in Matt Crampton and David Daniell. Most of the first choice pursuit team is also staying at home, with young riders being given the opportunity to shine.
Youth is also given a chance in the women’s events with 19-year-old Katie Colclough replacing – the only slightly older – Lizzie Armitstead in the team pursuit. Even younger Jess Varnish, who will turn 19 on the first day of the competition, will be the sole British representative in the sprit events.
Team Sky+HD:
Ross Edgar
Team GB:
Steven Burke
Ed Clancy
Katie Colclough
Matt Crampton
David Daniell
Andrew Fenn
Wendy Houvenaghel
Chris Newton
Joanna Rowsell
Andy Tennant
Jess Varnish