Glasgow hosting cycling talent

A YOUTHFUL cycling squad will aim to show Great Britain’s talent development line is continuing to produce when the Track World Cup begins at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow later today.

A squad featuring just one active member of Britain’s Olympic team, Katie Archibald, who competes on her home track, will bid to show that, despite a tumultuous year off the bike, the revolution continues on it.

Shane Sutton resigned as technical director 100 days prior to the Rio Olympics and an internal British Cycling investigation decided he used “inappropriate and discriminatory language” towards Jess Varnish.

Rival nations continue to scratch their collective heads at Britain’s sustained Olympic domination after six golds from 10 events in Rio. However, the answer lies in a four-year strategy which has already begun.

With Steven Burke withdrawing to concentrate on training, and others taking a well-earned break or focusing on other projects, the only Rio Olympian competing for Britain is Archibald.

There are high expectations for the next generation.

Head coach Iain Dyer said: “In the next four years we will hear more from these youngsters as they mature and develop through the programme. By the time we get to Tokyo, they could be household names.”

Next April’s Track World Championships takes place in Hong Kong, with many of the riders on view in Glasgow capable of staking a claim for a place in the team, whether or not the likes of Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny (nee Trott), Ed Clancy and others return in time.

There are four events today, the two team pursuits, the men’s individual sprint and also the women’s Keirin.