February 23, 2005 – Thirty-two world class track cycling races will be staged as part of the inaugural Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, United Kingdom in May, 2005.

The programme will comprise of three disciplines: Sprint, Kilo and Pursuit.

The new global, annual event will bring together competitors on both solo and tandem bikes when the competition is staged on Friday 13th May at the Manchester Velodrome.

Darren Kenny, a double gold medal winning cyclist at the Paralympic Games, will be one of the riders representing Great Britain in the international event. He believes the Paralympic World Cup will build on the rising profile of elite disability cycling following Britain’s success in Athens. Kenny said:

“The Paralympic World Cup will provide a great platform for elite disability sport. The attention that I have received following my success in Athens has been amazing and I’m sure the sport of track cycling can only benefit >from being a part of the Paralympic World Cup.”

“As an athlete who often trains at the Manchester Velodrome, I know what a wonderful facility it is. I’m sure we can count on the passionate Manchester public to come to the Paralympic World Cup to cheer us on.”

A strong international line-up of countries have already accepted invitations to compete in the track cycling events at the Paralympic World Cup, including America, Spain, China, Japan and The Netherlands.

The Paralympic World Cup is taking place thanks to funding support from Manchester City Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and UK Sport.

Liz Nicholl, UK Sport’s Acting Chief Executive was looking forward to action unfolding:

“UK Sport has a long tradition of supporting Paralympic sport and the Paralympic World Cup is a chance to showcase the best that the four sports have to offer. With the world’s best Paralympic sporting talent on show, it will also be a welcome chance for Great Britain’s athletes to test themselves against the best”.

“Manchester has a track record of staging excellent events and the people of the North West are passionate about sport. As a result, UK Sport is supporting the Paralympic World Cup with up to £300,000 from its World Class Events Programme.”