Friday and Saturday there was no better place to be than Manchester Velodrome for the World Track Cycling Championships!
The atmosphere was electric and so too was the GB performance with both girls and guys on top form.
Starting a race:
Friday evening saw Victoria Pendleton heading for gold with her performance in the sprint race and the Women's 3000m team and individual pursuits were won by GB.
Chris Hoy exuded incredible power and determination as he took Gold in the Sprint Final in electrifying style. The sound of the crowd cheering reverberated in the arena and even a member of the broadcast crew got into the swing of the event clad in full lycra!
Track Cycling is a phenomenal sport to watch whether you are a complete novice or cycling fanatic. Watching the cyclists speed around the track is somewhat mesmerising and there are so many different types of events to captivate the audience.
I enjoyed the range of skill required from the strategy of the individual and team pursuits to the outright speed and power of the Kerin and Points Race.
Finally what has surely got to be described as the shear madness of the Madison where around 40 riders are on the track at one time in teams of two with each rider as they pass their team mate, grabbing hold of his arm and using it as a 'sling shot' to propel themselves forward at an elevated speed.
How the comissaires (referees) kept track of who was who I don't know. It was carnage but exhilarating! You only really get a full appreciation of the skill and guts needed for this sport when you stand at the corners of the track and look down…..the 48º banks look more like something you should abseil down than try ride a bike around!
No doubt GB's performance at the World Championships has inspired new and old enthusiasts to look forward to future Track Cycling success in Beijing!
