A record entry for this years World Masters promises that the Championships will leave Manchester on a high note for sure.
A staggering 426 riders have entered this years event (100 more than usual) and they are not just from the home nation. This year sees 3 new nations competing (Ukraine, Mongolia and Cyprus) with all the regular countries sending more riders than in previous years.
Manchester will see an alternative event next year when the organisers are working with the European Cycling Union to start a European Masters Championships whilst the World Masters goes to Australia for 3 years after spending its first 12 years in Manchester.
This will be the last year that the British riders will have home advantage and it must be their best chance yet to topple the Americans off the top medal spot. (America has won all but one year when Britain managed to beat them in 2000). They came very close last year with the same number of gold's but a smaller silver count.
With the European Championships in mind next year it is encouraging to see an increase in European participation with Italy, France, Germany, Finland and Denmark all sending strong squads.
Saturday sees the famous Muratti Cup round off what should be the best ever World Masters. Already signed up for this race is Elliott, Wallace and Figueroa. Riders of the calibre of Adrian Timmis, Sean Yates, Christophe Nicolle, Jean-Phillippe Meret and Mike Zwingenberger could join these.
The Championships are the official Championships for riders over 30 years of age and riders are grouped in 5 year age categories with each age competing over 4 individual disciplines (time trial, sprint, pursuit and points race) with the Men also competing in the Team Sprint.
The week is packed with over 50 world Championship events in the 6 days and finals will be 7pm each weekday evening (with a further final session on Monday 11th at 1.30pm).
Saturday 16th will see the last day of the Championships starting with heats and some finals at 12.00pm with the main Finals session starting at 6pm.
The Heats are held every day from Tuesday with free admission to these heats on Tuesday to Friday.
Admission is £8 per day (£4 under 16's and over 60's).
More information from the velodrome reception 0161 2232244 or from the Championship website www.cyclingmasters.com
Emma 
