OLYMPIC gold medalist Steven Burke gets his bid for a national title under way tomorrow in Manchester.

Burke, who was part of Great Britain’s victorious team pursuit squad at the London Olympics two years ago, is riding in that event as well as the individual pursuit and scratch races for his trade team Haribo-Beacon, who are based in Whalley.

And the Colne star will be joined by Burnley’s Martin Woffindin who will compete against Burke in the scratch race, and also takes part in the points race riding for Cycle Sport Pendle.

The team pursuit is among the first events in tonight’s session which starts at 6pm.

Burke’s Haribo Beacon team face competition from a strong NFTO A squad and a talented 100% Me team.

The medal rounds also take place tonight.

Burke will be back in action on Friday in qualification for the individual pursuit in the afternoon session with the medal rounds taking place during that day’s evening session.

The 26-year-old won Olympic bronze in that event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and will be among the favourites despite focusing more on the team pursuit in recent years.

Woffindin begins his national bid on Saturday when the points race qualifying races are held in the afternoon session. The final takes place on Saturday night.

Both Burke and Woffindin are also set to face off in the scratch race with the qualifying rounds and the final taking place on Sunday.

Whalley-based Haribo Beacon also have a number of riders across a variety of events while Staveley-based Wheelbase Altura MGD are also sending a strong squad to Manchester.