Burke: Olympic cycling changes may work in my favour (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burke: Olympic cycling changes may work in my favour

10:03am Friday 30th October 2009 in Steven Burke By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter

STEVEN Burke is unlikely to get the chance to win another individual pursuit medal at the Olympics after plans were announced to scrap the event for 2012 – but the Colne cyclist believes the change could work in his favour.

Burke won a bronze medal in the individual pursuit in Beijing last year but organisers of London 2012 are expected to confirm in December that the removal of the event will be one of several changes to the Olympic schedule.

The plans have sparked outrage from some members of the British team but Burke thinks the changes, which would also see the points race and the madison scrapped, could actually suit him because it would lead to the introduction of the five-discipline omnium event.

The 21-year-old has experience of competing in the omnium and believes he can be a contender for medals in that event in 2012.

“The changes are not definite yet but I think they could work in my favour,” said Burke, who is in action for Great Britain in the team pursuit at the first round of the World Cup series at the Manchester Velodrome on Sunday.

“Losing the individual pursuit could have been a blow but, daft as it sounds, my strongest event is actually the team pursuit so I’m just glad they’re not getting rid of that.

“And I think they’re bringing in the omnium, which could be good for me.

“I think it’s an event I can win a medal in because it suits endurance riders, which is what I am.”