UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics kick off this Friday

The first round of the UCI's 2009-2010 Track Cycling World Cup Classics kicks off at the Manchester Velodrome this Friday, October 30 and will see many of the world's top Track cyclists in action on one of the world's fastest tracks.

The event, which runs until Sunday, November 1 sees the return of four-time Olympic Gold medallist, Chris Hoy, in the Keirin and sprint disciplines as well as current Olympic and World Champion Victoria Pendleton and two-time Junior World Champion Becky James.

Team GB and Sky+HD face stiff competition from a number of foreign teams such as Australia, who boast sprinter Shane Perkins in their squad and Team Rodin's long distance specialist Rochelle Gilmore, as well as Dutch sensations Yvonne Hijgenaar and Teun Mulder.

Friday's action begins at noon and includes the Men's 1km Time Trial, the Individual Pursuit and the Women's Sprint at 10.45 pm.Saturday is another noon start that includes the Men's 1km Time Trial, Women's Team Sprint and Individual Pursuit as well as the Men's Madison and Women's Point Race.

And on Sunday a host of international stars will be on show during the popular Japanese Keirin event, and the final of the Women's Team Pursuit and Men's Team Sprint.

Jonny Clay, British Cycling's Cycle Sport and Membership Director said: "We are delighted to be holding the event here for the third consecutive year in what will be another fantastic occasion for fans to come and watch the world's best cyclists in the busiest indoor Velodrome in the world.

"The event is proving as popular as last year when people came in their thousands to watch the victorious GB Cycling Team on their doorstep after the Olympics.

"Manchester has already built a credible reputation as the home of British Cycling and has a continuing commitment to host major events. Our partnership with Manchester City Council, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and UK Sport shows our continued commitment to bringing major sporting events to the city."

All three days will be available to watch on television, with Friday and Saturday available via the red button on BBC interactive and Sunday will be live from 2-4.45pm on BBC2.

And due to popular demand a number of additional seated tickets have just been released and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk  or from 0844 847 2425.