Shameless Trackies

Off to Manchester tomorrow, for the latest round of the Track World Cup.

It will be interesting to see whether the post-Beijing hysteria over track cycling has affected the event.  Apparently, tickets sold out in record time and many of those attending are likely to be first-timers.  Hope they're not disappointed.

Previous World Cups at the Velodrome have been really enjoyable -- exciting racing, well organised but with a laid back, friendly atmosphere and a chance to get close to the action and the riders.  Though not too close, obviously -- especially since Yvonne Hijgenaar's lawyers obtained an injunction preventing me from going within 100m of their client while she was wearing a skin-suit. 

I will be able to renew my acquaintance with the perfect training diet -- roast beef rolls with gravy, washed down by warm Boddington's -- an ideal combination of carbs, protein and fluid largely responsible for the success of the GB track squad.  Bradley Wiggins swears by it. 

I shall probably take the macbook with me and may even blog from the event -- just like a proper reporter.   I was sceptical about facilities "up North" but Mrs Flandrian, who's from round there, claims that things have changed and they've now got the internet and everything.

We shall see.