Harrie Lavreysen looks forward to the start of UCI Track Champions League: "I have had a good build-up and can therefore start with excellent form"

The third edition of the UCI Track Champions League will start on Saturday evening in Mallorca, where the best track cyclists in the world will cross swords. Harrie Lavreysen, one of the biggest stars at the start, is looking forward to clash with his rival Matthew Richardson.

It will be the Dutchman's third participation in the competition. "And I'm really looking forward to it again," he says in a preview with the organization. "The first time it was quite intense because it came soon after the Olympics. Last season we only had three weeks to train, but this year is different. I have had a good build-up and can therefore start with excellent form."

The Track Champions League is Lavreysen's main goal for the remainder of this year. "Absolutely, I'm putting all my energy into it. This year the focus was mainly on the World Championships and I am already working on the Olympic Games in Paris next year, but at the moment I am fully focused on the Champions League."

His major competitor will probably be Matthew Richardson again, with whom he will fight equally nice duels. Last year the Australian won the UCI Track Champions League, ahead of Lavreysen. "It went well for me at the World Championships, but I expect Matthew to have become stronger again. It's not that I see him as a target, but if I want to win I have to beat him. I'm going for revenge."