With two of the world's greatest sprinters featuring at Revolution 7 in Manchester on January 29, the scene is set for a revenge match. Arnaud Tournant and Chris Hoy will go head to head in a 500 m Time Trial, racing against each other in a TT for the first time since the Kilometre TT at the Olympic Games in Athens. Tournant who will be looking to set the record straight following Hoy’s victory over him in the Olympic Kilo.
"The race in Athens was a huge disappointment for me but I have been training hard over the winter and want the victory," said Tournant. "It will be fantastic to return to the Revolution and we will be ready to make it a good show."
The event will see the two sprinters racing at the same time starting at opposite sides of the track. Hoy has had the upper hand over Tournant over the last two years but Tournant is still the World Record holder. He is now retired from the Kilo and focusing on the sprint and Keirin, so the shorter distance will also suit him.
"It will be really close and very fast," Chris Hoy acknowledged. "I know Arnaud has been focusing his training on the sprints and Keirin so he will be strong over 500 m and I'm sure he will be out for revenge following Athens. My strength is normally in the last 500 m but my form is good and I'm confident I'll still win."
On home turf Hoy should have the advantage and will have the crowd behind him. "It’s going to be really spectacular particularly as Arnaud and I will be on the track at the same time," he said. "It should be very visual and the crowd will be able to see who is up throughout the race so the atmosphere will be fantastic."
Hoy and Tournant will also clash in the grand finale of Revolution 7; a France versus Britain Team Sprint with Craig MacLean and Jason Queally making up the British trio and Gregory Bauge and Francois Pervis joining Tournant. Bradley Wiggins and Spain’s Sergio Escobar Roure will also be squaring up in the endurance events.
Tickets are available to purchase in advance from www.cyclingrevolution.com or can be bought on the night.
