TRACK CYCLING

Fans, Riders Flock to Cambridge for UCI Track Cycling World Cup

By Sports Media NZ

New Zealand’s biggest international elite cycling event starts in Cambridge this afternoon, with 39 nations here for the UCI Track Cycling World Cup.

It is the first time Cycling New Zealand has hosted a Track Cycling World Cup, and is the second of three such events that qualify riders to the world championships and ultimately to next year’s Rio Olympics.
The event has attracted an impressive array of cycling stars, with current holders of 28 world or Olympic titles competing over the next three days at the Avantidrome.

This will be the first time New Zealand Elite Track Cycling Team have raced a World Cup on their home track, and cycling fans are making the most of the opportunity, with sell out crowds and almost 5000 spectators set to pack into the Avantidrome over the next three days.

The Avantidrome track and facility has drawn praise already from international coaches and riders.

“I really like the track. We were able to dial in to it quickly and the corners are excellent,” said current omnium and team pursuit world champion Annette Edmondson from Australia.

“Every track is different and takes time to work out but this is fantastic and looks to be really fast.
“The whole complex is great and this part of New Zealand is stunning. We love it.”


The New Zealand men’s team pursuit after winning the world title in Paris last year. Photo © Guy Swarbrick

Former Cycling New Zealand sprint coach Justin grace, now guiding the fortunes of Great Britain, was also full of praise for the facility.

“As a training facility it is world class. I am sure it is playing an important part in the development of cycling here,” Grace said.

“Our riders have found it excellent and are all looking forward to competing over the next three days.
“For me as a Kiwi the Avantidrome is fantastic and it will have a tremendous atmosphere here this weekend. I know that will lift the riders and there will be some spectacular cycling.”

The event will be broadcast live on Sky Television for much of Saturday and Sunday’s race action, screening from 2pm to 4.25pm and 6pm to 10pm on Saturday, with Sunday’s coverage live from 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 8.30pm.

Today’s session starts at 1.15pm with qualifying for men’s and women’s team pursuit and team sprint. There are two sessions on Saturday starting at 9am and 6pm, and two sessions on Sunday from 9am and 4pm.

As well as the five Olympic events of team pursuit, team sprint, individual sprint, keirin and omnium, there will be additional races with a men’s scratch race on Saturday evening with a women’s scratch race and men’s Madison on Sunday evening, which also carry world championship qualifying points.