Victoria Pendleton, Sir Chris Hoy (pictured) and Sarah Storey are just some of Britain's best cyclists who will compete in a series of thrilling track events staged by British Cycling at the Manchester Velodrome this autumn.

Current Olympic and World Champion Victoria Pendleton will be defending her National titles in the Keirin and Sprint disciplines at the National Track Championships on 20 - 24 October and cycling fans will also have the chance to watch emerging British talent challenge other established cycling stars.

Four time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy will be among the top names in world cycling competing in the UCI Track Cycling World Cup which kicks off the 2009/10 international track season on 30 October - 1 November.

On the back of her double gold medal success at the recent UCI Para-Cycling World Road Championships in Italy, Sarah Storey will be defending her World Champion title in the Individual Pursuit when she competes with the GB Para-Cycling Team, the most successful Para-Cycling team of all time, at the UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships between 6 - 8 November.

Jonny Clay, Cycle Sport and Membership Director at British Cycling, said: "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.

"Manchester has built a credible reputation as a city with sport at its heart and this is another example of our strong partnership with the North West region and the city's continued commitment to host top sporting events.

"We have already sold out seated tickets for Saturday and Sunday of the UCI Track Cycling World Cup. I'm pleased to announce standing and track centre tickets will go on sale this Friday to make sure no fan misses out."

Simon Morton, UK Sport's Senior Events Consultant, said: "We are delighted to be supporting both the Track Cycling World Cup and the Para-Cycling World Championships in Manchester this year. 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.

"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."

Tickets for the National Track Championships, the UCI Track World Cup and the UCI Para-cycling World Championships are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by phoning 0844 847 2425.

British Cycling is working in partnership with Manchester City Council, North West Development Agency and UK Sport to bring major sporting events to the city.

For further information, please contact: igakowalska-owen@britishcycling.org.uk

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