British National Track Championships - Preview

Women 15km Scratch Race Championship - Wednesday 4th Oct

It is a strong and diverse field that will take to the boards to decide this title. On paper the race is wide open, unless it comes to a bunch sprint, in which case last years winner Vicky Pendleton is likely to secure her second title of the 2006 championships.

Last year, it appeared that Nicole Cooke wanted to keep the field together, this year in her absence, we can expect to see a fast attacking race and possible breakaways, as there are a number of riders who know that unless they get away, they will stand no chance in a bunch sprint. Attacking moves are likely to come from the likes of Laura Bissell, Nikki Harris, Louise Mahe and Jo Tindley.

Riders

Women Sprint Championship

As the current Commonwealth Champion and silver medalist at the World Championships, Victoria Pendleton is unlikely to be pushed too hard in retaining her title, but both Blythe and Ayres will be looking to prove they are made of the right stuff to step into her shoes in a few years time.

There has already been considerable debate over why there is such a small field for the sprint, which I believe will to some extent reflect the fact that it is the most difficult event for the women who are not on the squad to adequately prepare for. It is an extremely technical event and there is no domestic competition to give exposure to the tactics employed, except for at these championships.

Kate Cullen

Riders

Women 30kms Points Race Championship - Thurday 5th October

Last years winner Nicole Cooke has not entered and so a new champion will be crowned. If Victoria Pendleton chooses to ride she will certainly be a contender, although a strong challenge for this title will no doubt mounted from last year's silver medalist and Commonwealth bronze medalist Kate Cullen. GB track squad member Nikki Harris will be looking for an improvement in her luck this season and Lorna Webb, another full time rider, who combines enviable track tactical awareness, endurance and a devastating sprint will be looking for her first national title, on the back of a successful year road racing on the continent.

Riders

Women 3000m Pursuit Championship - Satuday 7th October

Wendy Houvenaghel will be looking to defend her title, but there are a number of riders who could upset this ambition. The big unknown is how Rebecca Romero will ride over this distance on the track. Recently taken on by British Cycling as a full time funded athlete, after some considerable success in rowing (including World Championship gold and Olympic silver medals), Romero beat Houvenhagel at the British Time Trial Championships at the beginning of September. Joanne Rowsell, who represented GB at the Junior European and Junior World Championships, will also be looking to make her mark, while fellow junior Emma Trott will also see this as an opportunity to show what she is made of.

Lorna Webb

Riders

Women Keirin Championship

This is possibly the most open event in the championships as anything can happen in a Keirin. The event starts with riders behind a small motor paced bike that gradually winds up the speed before pulling off to unleash the riders for the final sprint. Victoria Pendleton looked very strong last year and certainly has the most experience of all the women in riding this event, but Anna Blythe who won the Junior World Championships this year will be riding with all the confidence that the rainbow stripes can give. It is guaranteed to be fast and exciting.

The Keiran

Riders