UCI Track Cycling World Championships: Steven Burke selected for British team just weeks after crash

Steven Burke broke his collarbone in a training crash in mid-January

Steven Burke has recovered from a broken collarbone in time to be selected in a near full-strength Great Britain team for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Paris.

Burke sustained the injury in a training crash in Mallorca less than four weeks ago but will be ready for the marquee event of the 2014-15 season, which takes place from February 18-22.

The only major absentee form the 19-rider squad is two-time world champion sprinter Becky James, who continues to struggle with a long-term knee injury.

British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton said: “I’m pleased Steve Burke has made the team, which is a credit to him and the hard work of the support staff."

From left, Archibald, Barker, Trott and Rowsell will look to defend their team pursuit world title

Sir Bradley Wiggins was not considered for selection as he is continues to prepare for the upcoming spring classics on the road with Team Sky.

Golden girls re-united

Laura Trott, Joanna Rowsell, Elinor Barker and Katie Archibald are all back to defend their women’s team pursuit title, while Burke will be joined in the men’s endurance squad by Ed Clancy, Andy Tennant, Owain Doull, Jon Dibben, Mark Christian and Academy graduate Matt Gibson.

Sutton added: "It’s good to see Academy rider Matt Gibson step up and make selection. We saw some promising performance during the world cup season and I’m looking for the team to drive this momentum into the world championships.” 

Jason Kenny will lead Britain’s men’s sprint team, which also contains quadruple national champion Callum Skinner.

In the absence of James, the women’s sprint team will be led by Jess Varnish, while Katy Marchant’s remarkable transition from heptathlete to track cyclist continues with a first call-up to the world championships.

Sutton said: "We’ve placed a big focus on this event as our aim is to qualify Olympic points as quickly as possible and I’m keen to see some strong results across the board."

Great Britain squad

Men’s endurance: Ed Clancy, Steven Burke, Andy Tennant, Jon Dibben, Owain Doull, Mark Christian, Matt Gibson.

Women’s endurance: Laura Trott, Joanna Rowsell, Elinor Barker, Katie Archibald, Ciara Horne.

Men’s sprint: Philip Hindes, Jason Kenny, Kian Emadi, Callum Skinner.

Women’s sprint: Jess Varnish, Katie Marchant, Victoria Williamson.