Published: 10 January 2012
Report: Scott Hobro

Great Britain track sprinter Victoria Williamson is aiming to make the most of her selection for the upcoming UCI Beijing Track World Cup which she described as the biggest event of her career to date.

Williamson in action at the UCI Junior World Track Championships (Photo: velostart.ru)

Williamson, 18, is part of a youthful line-up heading to China for the third leg of the series and admits the call-up for her World Cup debut came unexpectedly. “It was a complete surprise. When Jon [Norfolk] rang and asked whether I wanted to come to Beijing, it was a bit of a shock, Williamson said.

“It’s the biggest event I will have competed in so far. I’m nervous when I think about it but I’m going to take it as an experience. A few of the younger endurance guys are going as well so I’m not the only young one going out there. It’s going to be a good experience.

The Academy rider has had an impressive 18 months, claiming two medals at last year’s UCI Junior World Track Championships (silver in the 500m time trial and bronze in the sprint) after silver in the 500m time trial at the UEC U23 European Track Championships, before rounding off 2011 with bronze medals in the keirin and sprint at the National Track Championships. Whilst she accepts Beijing will present a difficult challenge, Williamson is keen to grasp the opportunity.

“I want to do well for myself. It would be nice to do some quick times and get a good lap time in the team sprint with Becky James. Preparation has been good - I got told just before a Development World Cup in Wales where I got some racing in. Then I have been up to Manchester last week and the week before the New Year, training has been going well."

Williamson also revealed she has been benefitting from her time on the track with Rebecca James. The two last competed together at the 2010 UEC U23 European Track Championships, winning silver in the team sprint.

“It’s been good to get the chance to ride with her again. We’ve been practising starts and laps and we’ve clicked really well. It didn’t take long to get the formation back, it’s been good.”

The UCI Beijing Track World Cup runs from 13-15 January 2012 with updates, reports and reaction on the British Cycling website.