19 Dec 2008

NZ Olympic track cycling team return to scene of medal success

3:18 pm on 19 December 2008

New Zealand's Olympic track cycling team will return to the scene of their Beijing successes for a world cup meet next month, in preparation for the world champs in Poland in March.

The men's team pursuit bronze medal winning squad along with fellow Olympians Alison Shanks and Catherine Cheatley are among those competing at the three-day meet.

Missing though is individual pursuit medallist Hayden Roulston, who's preparing with his new professional career with American team Cervélo.

The others in the team for Beijing include world omnium champion Hayden Godfrey and sprinter Simon van Velthoven of Palmerston North, who's been selected after impressive performances at the recent Oceania Champs and World Cup in Melbourne.

Shanks, who was fourth in the Olympic individual pursuit, will compete in that event and anchor the women's team pursuit.