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Cycling Stars Confirmed For National Track Championships

Story posted September 3

Four time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and Olympic and World Champion Victoria Pendleton are amongst the names to have entered the British National Track Championships taking place in Manchester from 21 until 25 September. The event is the first major meeting of the new season and gives fans the first opportunity to come and watch many of Britain’s best track cyclists in action before both the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and the European Track Championships in Poland.

One of the many highlights from 2009, Jason Kenny, Chris Hoy and Christian Lyte battle to be the best in the Men's Keirin.

Sir Chris Hoy, who won his first National title back in 1995, will be competing in the Sprint, Keirin and Team Sprint, having become National champion in the individual events for the first time in his career last year. The 34-year-old will face stiff competition to defend those coveted titles though, with the likes of Jason Kenny, Ross Edgar, Matt Crampton and Dave Daniell all taking part.

Victoria Pendleton, who has 25 wins to her name at the National Track Championships, will take to the boards in the Women’s Sprint, Keirin and Time Trial. However, she will face fierce competition from Jess Varnish and two times Junior World Champion Becky James. The Team Sky quartet of Ian Stannard, Peter Kennaugh, Ben Swift and 2010 National Road Race Champion, Geraint Thomas, will all take part in the Men’s Scratch, Points and Individual Pursuit races. 2009 Team Pursuit World Champions Joanna Rowsell and Wendy Houvenaghel will go head to head in what should be a fascinating Women’s Individual Pursuit race.

Three of the country's best sprinters on the podium in 2009, Jess Varnish, World and Olympic Champion Victoria Pendleton and Becky James.

Cycling fans will also have the chance to watch emerging British talent challenge the established cycling stars, with the likes of World Junior Champions Laura Trott, Owain Doull and Dan McLay in their rainbow jerseys as they aim for success in the relentless Junior Madison races.

British Cycling’s Cycle Sport and Membership Director, Jonny Clay said: “This year’s event at Manchester, the home of British cycling, is a great chance for anyone to come and watch not only some of the top riders in the country, but also in the world. Track Cycling is a tremendous spectacle whether you are a cycling enthusiast or coming to a Velodrome for the first time and the National Track Championships won’t leave you disappointed.”

Sir Chris Hoy said: "The National Track Championships has always been important event and this year is certainly no different as it is the curtain raiser to the new track season. It's a unique event with the best riders in the country taking part and it's often a stepping stone towards qualification for international representation. The racing will be fast and exciting and it should be a fantastic event.”

To keep up to date with all the latest news, videos, photos and more follow the official National Track Champs Facebook  and Twitter pages.

Tickets for this fantastic event are priced as follows and can be purchased online or by calling 0844 277 4321:
Adult                  £5 Day        £12.50 Championship Pass
Concession     £4 Day        £10 Championship Pass
Family                £10 Day    £25 Championship Pass

There is an exclusive Buy One Get One Free offer on tickets for all British Cycling members.