Rio Olympic Games hopeful Dannielle Khan has turned her attention to September’s British Cycling National Track Championships after an ‘incredible’ Commonwealth Games experience.
Khan competed for Team England on the track in Glasgow in the 500m time-trial and sprint, finishing sixth and seventh respectively in a world-class field.
The 18-year-old from Solihull came up against opposition including Olympic champion Anna Meares and Stephanie Morton as well as Great Britain and England counterpart Jess Varnish.
“It was an eye opener, I competed in Glasgow last year at the junior worlds but the Games was a massive step up,” Khan said.
“Not just in the racing but the whole level: riding in front of the crowds, the media, people, everything. It just stepped up another level but it’s very exciting for me and I can’t wait until the future and to get into training.
“I didn’t have the form that I wanted but still getting on the track and learning so much from racing the best girls in the world, that experience has been invaluable.
“That was one of my goals and I definitely ticked that off and it was fantastic to be racing against the likes of Jess Varnish, Anna Meares and Stephanie Morton who are the best in the world.”
Khan is now focussed on acquiring a British champion’s jersey when the competition takes place from 24-28 September in Manchester.
She hopes to race a full sprint programme over the five days at the National Cycling Centre where she is likely to face Jess Varnish, who won match sprint, keirin, team sprint and 500m time-trial titles in 2013.
“In a few weeks’ time I should be heading back to Cottbus but the nationals is the next big one.
“Hopefully I’ll be riding keirin, team sprint, 500m time-trial and sprint so I’ll have four events to get stuck into there and hopefully earn some stripes.”
Tickets for the 2014 British Cycling National Track Championships are now on sale through Ticketmaster.
British Cycling members can enjoy an exclusive 30% discount off the standard ticket price. If you are not already a British Cycling member but would like to take advantage of this and other ticket offers for major UK cycling events join now.
