Star-studded Great Britain line-up revealed for London track World Cup

Hot on the heels of this morning’s announcement of a strong Australian squad for next month’s fourth and final round of the 2011/12 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics series that marks the first competitive event at London’s Olympic Velodrome, British Cycling has revealed an equally star studded line-up for the event in what promises to be a thrilling dress rehearsal for the Games.

The event runs from February 17-19 and five of Great Britain’s Olympic champions from the Beijing Games in 2008 will get their first taste of the track where they aim to defend their titles this summer – Sir Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny, Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas and Victoria Pendleton.

Also in the team are Wendy Houvenaghel, who won silver in China behind Rebecca Romero in the individual pursuit, an event now axed from the schedule, who is targeting success in the Team Pursuit in which she, Laura Trott and Dani King are reigning world champions.

British Cycling Performance Director Dave Brailsford commented: “The World Cup in London has added significance given that it's the first major event to be held at the Olympic venue.

“We are using the Test Event as a learning opportunity for our Olympic preparations and have selected a full-strength squad accordingly.

“The riders and staff are looking forward to gaining race experience at the London Velodrome and it’s always fantastic for us to have the support of a sell-out home crowd.”

If you haven’t been lucky enough to get a ticket for the event, you can watch the racing live on BBC2 on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with additional coverage available via the red button.

Great Britain squad for London round of UCI Track World Cup Classics

Men’s Sprint

Matt Crampton (representing Sky Track Cycling)
Ross Edgar
Sir Chris Hoy
Jason Kenny

Women’s Sprint

Victoria Pendleton
Jess Varnish

Men’s Endurance

Steven Burke
Ed Clancy
Pete Kennaugh
Ben Swift
Andy Tennant
Geraint Thomas

Women’s Endurance

Wendy Houvenaghel
Dani King
Joanna Rowsell
Laura Trott