Cycling: World Cup step to championships

New Zealand track cyclist Alison Shanks is a medal prospect for the final round of the track World Cup in Manchester. Photo / Supplied

All eyes are on the Rugby World Cup this year but the New Zealand cycling team could bring home rare World Cup success this week.

A 12-strong team will contest the final round of the track World Cup in Manchester ahead of next month's world championships.

The women's team pursuit squad top the World Cup standings, as does Alison Shanks in the individual pursuit. The men's team pursuit is third overall, as is Shane Archbold in the omnium and the team sprint combination.

The three-day meet has attracted some of the big names, with the British team drawing pro tour stars Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas back to the track.

The New Zealand coaching staff have changed their focus for the Manchester World Cup.

"We rejigged our programme for this World Cup because we want to replicate our lead in for the world championships in 2012 and on to the Olympics," head coach Tim Carswell said.

"The women's team pursuit have performed really well and are in the box seat to win the World Cup title. Alison Shanks has already won the individual pursuit title which is not on the schedule for Manchester.

"Shane Archbold in the omnium and the men's team pursuit missed the last round, but, with exceptional results, could claim titles.

"It's the same for the team sprint combination. One of the pleasing things is that we are so competitive across the board - especially as we have missed a World Cup."

Auckland's 20-year-old Aaron Gate gets his chance to step up into the men's pursuit team alongside Olympians Marc Ryan, Wes Gough and Peter Latham, with Jesse Sergent and Sam Bewley away on race duties with their Radioshack Pro Tour team. The experienced Ryan will assume the duties in the individual pursuit in Manchester.

The women have arguably their top combination for Manchester with Shanks, Lauren Ellis and Jaime Nielsen.

The young sprint combination of Ethan Mitchell, Sam Webster and Eddie Dawkins has another opportunity to develop in the team sprint, sprint and keirin.

- NZPA