Published: 11 January 2011
Report: Scott Hobro

2011-2012 UCI Track World Cup Homepage

Great Britain track sprint coach Jon Norfolk believes the UCI Beijing Track World Cup represents a key stepping stone in the performance ladder for the young riders set to compete.

An 11 strong team containing no Olympic Podium Programme riders was named for the third round of the World Cup, with Norfolk adding that those travelling would be treated no differently to more seasoned riders in order to give them an authentic experience of competition during the trip.

Owain Doull, Joe Kelly, Callum Skinner and Victoria Williamson will all make their World Cup debuts and Norfolk expressed that performance, and not necessarily results, is the important factor.

	"Their performance is key to getting the most from the event – if they do everything they can to achieve their best performance they have succeeded." Jon Norfolk

“Their performance is key to getting the most from the event – if they do everything they can to achieve their best performance they have succeeded, regardless of where they come in the overall standings. It’s getting them used to be the best they can be and working out how to get more from themselves in each performance,” Norfolk explained.

“If a rider wins a medal, but could have improved their performance or preparation then they haven’t achieved our aim of personal success. They are, however, allowed to enjoy themselves in what they do – these two things are not separate!”

Despite the expected challenges, Norfolk highlighted the importance of the ‘great international experience’ the riders will gain, and urged them to make sure it is a productive one.

“The key is making sure the rider can achieve a positive experience from an event such as this. All the selected riders, although it is a younger team, have achieved high levels of performance to be in the running for selection – ex junior world champions, European U23 medalists and Commonwealth Games medalists etc.

“They have all shown signs of future potential and this is a key stepping stone to work their way up the performance ladder.”

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