British Cycling performance director Sir Dave Brailsford is looking for his riders to lay down a marker at the forthcoming 2014 Track Cycling World Championships in Cali, Columbia.
Great Britain have named seven Olympic champions in their squad with three-time Olympic champion Kenny joined in the 17-strong team by Ed Clancy, Steven Burke, Laura Trott, Dani King and Joanna Rowsell – all of whom won gold at London 2012.
Kenny won Keirin gold at last year’s World Championships in Minsk and is joined by sprint riders Matt Crampton, Kian Emadi and Phil Hindes.
World points race champion Simon Yates will not defend his title, instead concentrating on his road career with the men’s endurance group instead comprising of Clancy, Burke, Jon Dibben, Owain Doull and Sam Harrison.
While in the women’s team, Becky James will look to defend the sprint and Keirin titles she won in Belarus last year and is joined by fellow sprinters Jess Varnish and Vicky Williamson.
Trott, King and Elinor Barker also won the women’s team pursuit last which now takes place over four kilometres with four riders.
They are joined in the endurance squad by Rowsell and Katie Archibald, with the latter set to make her World Championship debut.
And with two years to go until Rio 2016, Brailsford was hopeful of seeing some strong performances from his team.
“I'm pleased with the results we've had at World Cup level this season, both from the established riders and the younger ones breaking through, and I think we can go into the World Championships with confidence this year,” said Brailsford.
"With qualification for Rio 2016 expected to begin this year, this World Championships will allow us to lay down a marker to see where we are at against the best in the world and assess what work needs to be done.”
© Sportsbeat 2014