Racing

UCI Track World Cup: Manchester day three – five observations

Team GB's endurance squad in rude health; work to be done by the sprinters but time on their side

Home nations building towards Commonwealth Games

Scotland’s Katie Archibald won a silver medal in the women’s scratch race before earning bronze in the individual pursuit (pic: Alex Broadway/SWpix.com)

While immediate focus may be on preparations for the World Championships, next year’s Commonwealth Games continue to draw ever closer too.

And for the home nations’ riders on show in Manchester, the signs are certainly good ahead of Glasgow 2014.

While England’s medal hopes are already quite clear though, Scotland and Wales will also have been encouraged by events over the weekend.

For the former, rising star Katie Archibald looks a serious contender as the 19-year-old sensation picked up bronze in the individual pursuit and silver in the points race.

Wales will of course boast the talents of Becky James and, possibly, Olympic champion Geraint Thomas should ‘G’ opt to compete on the track.

But Jonathan Mould, competing for Team USN in Manchester, and Owain Doull – who has slotted seamlessly into Britain’s gold medal-winning team pursuit squad – also highlighted their own credentials.

Mould’s bronze in the men’s scratch race added to a strong showing at Revolution the week before and if he continues his form on the track, he could represent a medal hope for the principality in Glasgow.

Photo provided with kind permission of http://www.swpixcyclingphotos.com.