The world’s elite track cyclists are converging on the Shanghai Velodrome this week as the 2026 Track World Championships get under way, with a total of 22 coveted world titles up for grabs. For Great Britain’s squad of Olympic stars and defending champions, the high-stakes five-day competition represents more than just a battle for rainbow jerseys; it marks the official opening gun for the track cycling qualification cycle leading toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Running from October 14 to October 18, the championships will see riders test their mettle across a grueling schedule split between high-speed sprint events and tactical endurance disciplines. Fans across the United Kingdom will be able to follow every dramatic turn, pursuit, and sprint finish live, with extensive coverage broadcast across BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the official BBC Sport website and app.
Last year’s World Championships saw Great Britain finish a respectable second in the overall medal table, though they were ultimately overshadowed by a dominant Netherlands team that clinched an astounding nine gold medals. Dutch powerhouse Harrie Lavreysen once again proved to be an unstoppable force on the track, sweeping up four individual and team gold medals in the Keirin, Sprint, 1km Time Trial, and Team Sprint. As the cycling world gathers in China, the British camp is looking to close the gap on their continental rivals, despite heading into the competition without a couple of foundational pillars of the team.
Great Britain will notably be missing one of their most decorated and celebrated track cyclists of the modern era. Reigning Madison world champion Katie Archibald announced her retirement from the sport in May, hanging up her cleats to pivot toward a new career in nursing. Her absence, alongside that of Olympic team sprint champion Katy Marchant—who announced her retirement last month—leaves big shoes to fill. However, the British coaching staff has named a robust and balanced squad to Shanghai, featuring a formidable mix of rising talent and seasoned champions, including eight riders who already boast world titles and another eight proven Olympic medallists.
GB’s ones to watch
Among the leading lights for Great Britain are Olympic team sprint champions Emma Finucane and Sophie Capewell, who head to China eager to reclaim their world title. Finucane arrives at the Shanghai Velodrome carrying immense momentum following a stellar summer that saw the Welsh rider secure a historic four gold medals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Joining them to complete a formidable women’s sprint team are Glasgow gold medallist Lowri Thomas alongside world and Commonwealth medallist Rhianna Parris-Smith, giving Britain a deep and potent lineup in the explosive power events.
In the women’s endurance squad, a fascinating generational blend is on display. Exciting young prospects Millie Couzens, Erin Boothman, and Abi Miller are all set to make their senior elite World Championships debuts, stepping onto the world stage for the first time. They will be heavily supported by a wealth of veteran experience, featuring former world champions Meg Barker and Josie Knight, as well as reigning individual pursuit champion Anna Morris, who will look to dictate the pace in the longer-distance races.
On the men’s side, Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medallist Harry Ledingham-Horn enters the championships determined to step onto the highest step of the podium, hoping to improve upon the team sprint silver medal he secured at last year’s World Championships. He will be joined by Matt Richardson, who recently returned from injury after capturing the European sprint title earlier this year in a stunning victory over the legendary Lavreysen. The men’s sprint contingent is further bolstered by the experienced Joe Truman and Ed Lowe, the latter of whom tasted success by winning Olympic silver in the team sprint at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The men’s endurance squad offers an equally impressive reservoir of talent and tactical acumen. Veterans Ethan Vernon, Mark Stewart, and Ollie Wood bring invaluable experience, boasting an incredible 15 Olympic and world medals between them. They are joined in the squad by the promising brother duo of Noah and Henry Hobbs, while Matt Bostock rounds out a well-rounded and versatile men’s endurance group capable of challenging across multiple disciplines.
How to watch
For cycling enthusiasts wishing to follow the action live, the BBC will provide comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Track World Championships from the Shanghai Velodrome in China. Viewers can tune in across television and digital platforms, with live broadcasts scheduled on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app throughout the five-day competition, ensuring fans do not miss a single moment of the quest for rainbow jerseys and early Olympic qualification points for Los Angeles 2028.