London 2012's Track Cycling Test Event
London's stunning new Olympic velodrome gets its first full workout this week as the rolls into East London.
As well as being the fourth and final leg of the World Cup Series it's also a huge milestone for Olympic organisers;Ìýit's also doubling as the official Test Event for - a chance to examine how the new venue, with its logistical and practical challenges, stands up to the stresses of a major event.
In all, 340 riders from 48 nations and 18 trade teams will battle it out across four days of intense competition. It'll be an exciting prospect for the sell-out crowd and Great Britain's 16-strong team as they ready themselves to face the world's best - Olympic gold medallists, , , will all be in action.
But even for such a stellar cast with world-beating pedigree, competing at London's velodrome will be a bike ride into the unknown.
Who will get the glory and seize the upper hand as the final squad selection draws closer? How fast will the track be and will there be world records? And, with the arena's , what will the atmosphere be like for riders bombarded from all sides by the cheers of 6000 enthusiastic fans?
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And if that wasn't enough incentive for British riders to perform at their peak, a change to Olympic selection rules provides an extra urgency.
For London 2012, just one competitor from each nation can compete in each event, meaning in the case of Sir Chris Hoy, that he wouldn't be able to defend if Jason Kenny were to clinch the sole individual sprint position.
So there's plenty at stake and 5 live sports extra will bring you live commentary on Saturday evening from 7.45pm and Sunday afternoon from 2.55pm. Our commentary team will be with expert analysis from three-time Olympic medallist .
Former Olympian and Ö÷²¥´óÐã Sport's will also be part of our team at the velodrome bringing us post-race interviews and reaction from behind the scenes in the mixed-zone.
Our coverage begins on the on Friday night from 6.30pm when there will be continuous live audio commentary.
There'll be updates and interviews on 5 live throughout the event, while Ö÷²¥´óÐã TV will also have extensive coverage.
Whatever unfolds, one thing is for sure. All the cyclists, their teams, the organisers, broadcasters and fans will learn an awful lot about what might lie in store for August when Olympic competition finally gets underway. It will be quite a spectacle.
Andrew Dill is a 5 live Sport producer .
Commentary on 5 live sports extra from 7.45pm on Saturday night, and on Sunday afternoon from 2.55pm.
Comment number 1.
At 15th Feb 2012, David Shield wrote:Really looking forward to this event, love the track cycling. Simon Brotherton is one of Five Live's finest.
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Comment number 2.
At 18th Feb 2012, carrie wrote:Fantastic coverage last night. Awesome commentary/explanations/reflections.
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Comment number 3.
At 20th Feb 2012, Jackstumps wrote:Excellent performance here but do others already feel very jaundiced about the whole event? Looking forward (not) to Nicky Campbell phone in's about how bad we are certain events when lots of prima donna's fail to perform and blaim everything / everybody but themselves. Seen it all before. Stick to the cricket (about which we'll hear precious little on Five Live).
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