British Worlds track team full of surprises

The British team for the Track World Championships next week in Pruszkow, Poland, contained a few surprises, with Mark Cavendish making an unexpected return, while several big names were left out.

As expected, British Cycling did not nominate multiple Olympic Champion Chris Hoy. He was injured in the keirin race last month at the World Cup event in Copenhagen, Denmark. Also not on the team are Olympic Champions Bradley Wiggins and Rebecca Romero.

Cavendish, 23, was named in the men's endurance squad. He will ride the scratch race on Thursday and the Madison on Saturday. He was the only member of the British track team not to win an Olympic medal last year. He later expressed his dissatisfaction with British Cycling.

"This has been a winter of experimentation and innovation for the team and our selection of riders reflects that," said performance director Dave Brailsford. "We have a great mix of youth and experience and see Poland as our first step on the road to London 2012."

Hoy's absence is a chance for the others. According to track performance manager Heiki Salzwedel, "It's very unfortunate that Chris Hoy cannot participate as he was very motivated to show his outstanding capabilities following the increase in public interest. But now, this opens up the opportunity for younger riders to show their potential."

Great Britain team for the UCI Track World Championships:
Men's Sprint: Ross Edgar, Jamie Staff, Matthew Crampton, Jason Kenny, David Daniell
Men's Endurance: Chris Newton, Mark Cavendish, Ed Clancy, Steven Burke, Peter Kennaugh, Jonathan Bellis
Women's Sprint: Victoria Pendleton, Anna Blyth, Shanaze Reade, Jess Varnish
Women's Endurance: Wendy Houvenaghel, Lizzie Armitstead, Joanna Rowsell, Katie Colclough (SW)