British Cycling have confirmed that they have been awarded the 2016 Track World Championships.
The decision was made by cycling union UCI at a management committee meeting on Florence and will see the London velodrome, at Lee Valley Velo Park, used for the 2016 Track Cycling World Championships will take place between 24th and 28th February.
Those involved in the bringing of the UCI Track Cycling World Championships to London include British Cycling, UK Sport, London Legacy Development Corporation, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, London & Partners and the Mayor of London.
"The events we’ve delivered over the last decade in the UK have rightly been regarded as world class but the delivery of a World Championships in this iconic venue will be the biggest task we’ve taken on to date," British Cycling Chief Executive Ian Drake said in a press statement.
“Winning the bid to host the final Track Cycling World Championships of the next Olympic cycle is important strategically for us, it’s good for the current generation of athletes, but it’s also an important tool for inspiring the next generation who will follow in their footsteps.
“The events we’ve delivered over the last decade in the UK have rightly been regarded as world class but the delivery of a World Championships in this iconic venue will be the biggest task we’ve taken on to date.”
In a press release, Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson, said: “This is another great coup for British sport and a real legacy from London 2012. The capital’s velodrome is a stunning, world-leading venue and I am sure the 2016 Track World Championships will have capacity crowds supporting our best cyclists ahead of the Rio Games. UK Sport’s Gold Event Series is helping to cement this country’s reputation as a leading destination to host the biggest events in world sport.”
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for London, marking the arrival of yet another thrilling world class sporting fixture to our city. These prestigious championships will be centred around our stunning Olympic velodrome, a remarkable venue that saw such awe-inspiring performances from British cyclists last summer. Interest in cycling is rocketing in this city and I’ve no doubt London’s 2016 Track World Championships help will propel this even further.”