- Madison racing will return to the Manchester velodrome on January 28
Fans of track racing are in for a double helping of high speed action on Saturday January 28 when Manchester’s National Cycling Centre hosts the British National Madison Championships before the final round of the Revolution series.
The Madison, in which teams of two compete, with one partner propelling the other into the midst of the action with the iconic hand sling, has attracted big names in recent years, with Mark Cavendish, twice a world madison champion and current world road race champion, partnering Sky’s Peter Kennaugh to victory in 2008.
Kennaugh lifted the title for a second time last year with Luke Rowe, who recently joined Kennaugh’s Sky road team. Rowe also won the event in 2010, riding with Mark Christian, and in 2009 took the silver medal with race partner and future Sky teammate, Geraint Thomas.
Organisers have promised “the UK’s top elite riders” for the 2012 championships. Sky’s Alex Dowsett, Rapha-Condor-Sharp’s Ed Clancy, and the Downing brothers are among a host of big-name riders to have graced the podium in recent years.
The National Madison Championships take place between 1pm and 4pm, with afternoon spectators also able to watch the sprint qualification rounds for the evening’s Revolution event, which starts at 7pm.
Competitors in the Revolution series return to the Manchester velodrome on Saturday January 7. Team transfers made in the road racing closed season are likely to have an effect, with Sky losing the vastly experienced Russell Downing (who will race on the road with Endura Racing in 2012) and Steven Burke, who will finish the Revolution series in the colours of UK Youth.
Luke Rowe could provide a boost to Sky’s Revolution ambitions. The WorldTour superteam languishes fifth in Revolution’s table of eight teams, but only six points behind fourth-placed Cunga Bikes and eight points behind third-placed Howies, who fielded Cavendish in the second round of the series.
Revolution’s home grown talent is set to be joined by “a host of top Six Day specialists from all over Europe” which organisers say could make for “some unpredictable and exciting racing.” Tickets for both Revolution events and the Madison Championships are available to buy now from Quay Tickets online or by calling 0843 208 0500.
Madison tickets are priced £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £15 for families and must be purchased separately from the evening Revolution tickets. ITV4 will show highlights of the third round at 7pm on Monday January 9 2012.
Rider entries for the Madison Championships are also open online on the British Cycling website, closing on Friday 28th December 2011. To enter, visit British Cycling.
