Track Cycling World Cup Kicks Off in Manchester
Event: 30th October to 1st November 2009
The UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics kicks off in Manchester this Friday, as the best cyclists from around the world battle it out under the roof of a packed out Manchester Velodrome, attracting over 3,000 spectators each day and international media attention.
Right: Photo: Andy May.
The event sees the return of four-time Olympic Gold medallist, Chris Hoy, in the Keirin and sprint disciplines as well as current Olympic and World Champion Victoria Pendleton and two-time Junior World Champion Becky James.
Team GB and Sky+HD face stiff competition from a number of foreign teams such as Australia, who boast sprinter Shane Perkins in their squad and Team Rodin's long distance specialist Rochelle Gilmore, as well as Dutch sensations Yvonne Hijgenaar and Teun Mulder.
Friday's (30 October) action begins as soon as fans enter the venue at 12pm with ten hours of blockbuster excitement that includes the Men's 1km Time Trial and Individual Pursuit. The day closes after the thrilling Women's Sprint at 10.45 pm.
Saturday (31 October) is another 12pm start that includes the Men's 1km Time Trial, Women's Team Sprint and Individual Pursuit as well as the Men's Madison. The day comes to an end after the final of the Women's Point Race at 10.30pm.
On Sunday (1 November) a host of international stars will be on show during the popular Japanese Keirin event. The afternoon session will also feature the final of the Women's Team Pursuit and Men's Team Sprint, finishing at 5pm.
Jonny Clay, British Cycling's Cycle Sport and Membership Director said:
"We are delighted to be holding the event here for the third consecutive year in what will be another fantastic occasion for fans to come and watch the world's best cyclists in the busiest indoor Velodrome in the world. The event is proving as popular as last year when people came in their thousands to watch the victorious GB Cycling Team on their doorstep after the Olympics.
"Manchester has already built a credible reputation as the home of British Cycling and has a continuing commitment to host major events. Our partnership with Manchester City Council, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and UK Sport shows our continued commitment to bringing major sporting events to the city."
All three days will be available to watch on television, with Friday and Saturday available via the red button on BBC interactive and Sunday will be live from 2pm until 4.45pm on BBC2.
Due to popular demand a number of additional seated tickets have just been released and there are still exclusive track centre lounge tickets and standing tickets available. The event offers fantastic value for money and all tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by phoning 0844 847 2425.
