After completing their rookie year in the ranks of the pro peloton, British duo Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas head into a winter track season which will serve as crucial preparation for next year's Beijing Olympics.
Their first outing at the Revolution series meeting on October 20 will provide plenty of opportunities to loosen their track legs and both riders are relishing the prospect of entertaining the crowds at the Manchester Velodrome.
"It's going to be good to get back to the track," said Thomas. "After a long season on the road, I'm looking forward to a change and after three weeks off racing I want to come back with a bang.
"My main focus will be the Team Pursuit," continued the Welshman. "Revolution will be a good workout before training in Australia and then on to the first big challenge in the Team Pursuit at the Beijing World Cup."
Cavendish is also set for an intense track season and will be using Revolution to help him prepare for the Ghent Six.
"I'll be riding with Bradley [Wiggins] in Ghent so I'm going to get straight into the track season," he said. "The Revolution is always a great night of racing and a good way to get the track speed in your legs. I'll definitely be looking to bring my sprint form into play on the track and take more wins over the winter."
The T-Mobile pro will certainly be the man to beat but Thomas reckons he's got the measure of the Manxman.
"Cav and me? We're good mates, he's been out in Italy with me quite a lot over the summer but I haven't seen him since the Tour of Britain. We're competitive but in a good way... yeah I can beat him, I know his weaknesses."
Tickets for Revolution on October 20 are on sale at www.cyclingrevolution.com or by calling 07005 942 579 or 0161 223 2244.
