A large contingent of Irish riders is among the huge entry for the World Masters Track Championships which kick off in Manchester on Monday.

The proximity of the venue and the current popularity of local track racing have contributed to the large Irish entry with several medal contenders among the travelling party.

National veteran's track champion Stephen McNally is first of the Irish in action in the 45-49 age group 3km pursuit on Monday and the Orwell Wheelers rider will be aiming to replicate his victory in the European Masters Championship in August.

Paul Swenarton (North Down CC) is next up in the 50-54 2km pursuit while Terry Mackin also in action on Monday in the 35-39 age group kilometre time trial.

Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers) is defending the world points race title in the 45-49 category which she won in Portugal last year. Hendron's points race is on Monday and she will also be targeting the 2km pursuit later in the week while world and european medallist Aideen Collard (Orwell Wheelers) also kicks off her campaign with the 35-39 points race on Monday.

Sprint specialist Brendan Whelan (Lucan CRC) is a regular visitor to Mancheseter and will hope to make an impression after a long season on road and track in the 40-44 age group starting with the 750m time trial on Monday.
National veteran's road race and time trial champion Greg Swinand (Irish Road Club) will attempt to transfer his terrific road form to the track in the 3km pursuit in the 40-44 age group  on Wednesday.

Tom Daly (Kanturk) and Hugh Mulhearne (Carrick Wheelers) are the Munster representatives in Manchester with track rookie Mulhearne eager to test his form in the 35-39 pursuit after a number of solo road race wins this season.

The Sundrive Track Club is in the vanguard of track activity in Ireland and the Dublin club are represented at the World Masters by Sean Curtis (40-44) and Susie Mitchell (35-39).

Speedy road star Scott McDonald (40-44) will be making his first appearance at an international track meet while Naas CC rider Brian Coonan (40-44) returns to Manchester for his first tilt at the World Championships after previously sampling the venue in the european championships. Finally, Sinead McBreen (Orwell Wheelers) will be entering her first international competition in the 35-39 age group.