An imperative venue for the series over the last few years, Manchester (GBR) will host the first round of the 2009 - 2010 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics this weekend.

More than 300 athletes (around 220 men and 100 women) representing 37 national teams and 20 professional teams will ensure plenty of action during the 17 events on the programme.

Once again, the event’s sporting level promises to be very high. The campaign allowing the world’s best specialists to get nearer their goal of the London Olympic Games is now under way. The season will therefore be very important for preparing this major rendez-vous.

The other rounds in the series will take place in Melbourne (AUS), Cali (COL) and Beijing (CHN).