Archibald leads British hopes as unique worlds begin on track

The first edition of the combined UCI Cycling World Championships begins in Glasgow on Thursday with 11 days of high-octane action across virtually every discipline.

For the first time, world governing body the UCI has assembled the world's elite road, track, BMX and mountain bike riders in one place to compete for around 200 rainbow jerseys.

Appropriately, action begins on Thursday in the Chris Hoy Velodrome in the centre of Glasgow - the track named after Scotland's most celebrated Olympian.

It will also be a poignant moment for local favourite Katie Archibald, the two-time Olympic gold-medallist whose partner Rab Wardell, a Scottish mountain bike champion, died of cardiac arrest during his sleep a year ago.

"Rab was so involved in this Championships and this dream of a home worlds. He had such a love for sport on two wheels and for Glasgow that's what this whole event is about," Archibald, who will be a key component in the women's team pursuit and also race in omnium and madison, told the BBC.

Archibald, whose first ventures in track cycling were at the Glasgow velodrome, will be part of a British track team looking to flex their muscles ahead of the Paris Olympics.

While still a powerhouse on the boards, Britain's vice-like hold on track cycling has diminished somewhat in the last few years, but a home worlds offers the chance to lay down a marker.

Britain were only fifth in the medals table at last year's track world championships in Paris with three golds - the men's team pursuit, men's omnium and women's points race.

The Dutch topped the table with sprinter Harrie Lavreysen winning the keirin and sprint while Italy were also strong, although this time they will not be able to call on powerhouse Filippo Ganna who has