Dudley to Contest World Cup Cycling Opener

Levin cyclist Gemma Dudley is BikeNZ's only representative in the first of the UCI World Cup track series that begins in Kazakhstan this weekend.

The World Cup comprises four rounds and will be one of the final qualification opportunities for next year's London Olympics.

The series goes to Astana for the first time this weekend to be followed by Cali (Colombia) on 1-3 December, Beijing (China) on 13-15 January and the Olympic track test event in London on 17-19 February.

BikeNZ must be represented in every round of the World Cup and with many of the riders building towards this month's Oceania Championships, it was considered an ideal opportunity for Dudley.

The 21 year old will compete in the six-event omnium, which is the new event on the programme for next year's Olympics.

"It's a good opportunity for Gemma to gain experience, both racing at this level and competing in the Omnium," said BikeNZ High Performance Director, Mark Elliott.

"Gemma had a solid performance at the world championships in this event and is a key rider in our plans going forward.

"It also allows our top ranked Omnium rider Jo Kiesanowski to focus on preparations for the Oceania Championships and upcoming World Cups."

The World Cup programme has been modified this year to include the 10 Olympic events - five each for men and women - as well as five events that will feature at the UCI World Championships in Melbourne next year. These are the 500m and points race for women and the individual pursuit, scratch race and Madison for men.