Congratulations to all the riders winning and even just taking part in the track cycling world championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
But whilst I think the sprint events showcase the best in their field, the endurance events on the track like the pursuit race, points race and omnium have a different feel to them. It’s almost as if it’s an U-23 world championship, with the likes of Cameron Meyer and Taylor Phinney taking gold… but also with the world’s fastest riders not taking part.
Imagine instead if Filippo Pozzato took part in the points race, or if Fabian Cancellara and Jens Voigt made it their speciality to win the pursuit? I’m not sure if Meyer and Phinney would be on top of the podium.
This isn’t to knock Phinney and others, these guys are real talents but it’s just I want to see the best of the best. Track cycling shouldn’t be a feeder sport, supplying young riders into the road ranks. If track cycling could convince the stars of cycling to take part then this could be the boost this area of the sport needs. 6-day races are struggling with dwindling audiences, the chance to see the big names in action is always a crowd puller.