Cycling - Hoy Up For Manchester Challenge

Chris Hoy has confirmed he will ride in the one kilometre time trial at the UCI Track Cycling World Cup at Manchester Velodrome on Friday, 23 February 2007.

"I'll be riding in the kilo and the sprint," said Scotland's current world and Olympic 1km time trial champion. "It's not often I get the chance to ride the kilo in front of a home crowd, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Hoy, 30, took two golds in last week's World Cup round three in LA where he won in the team sprint and keirin.

The Manchester meeting will be key to his preparation for the World Championships in Palma in March and his subsequent tilt at the kilometre altitude world record in Bolivia in May.

Hoy added: "It will be my second from last kilo before I go for the world record in May. I have not done much preparation for the kilo yet so it is important I keep the feel for it. After the world championships I will be focusing on the world record attempt."

Hoy's challenge in Manchester could come from a number of international riders including improving Dutchman Tim Veldt.

But his most serious challenger could be closer to home in the shape of fellow Briton and former Olympic champion Jason Queally.