The 2026 European Track Cycling Championships, set to take place in Konya, Türkiye, from 1 to 5 February, will mark the first major international outing of the season for the British team. British Cycling has unveiled a 23-rider squad that blends the experience of Olympic medallists with the emergence of a new generation, notably Ben Wiggins (20) and Henry Hobbs (18), both selected at elite level for the first time. Beyond the immediate objective of European titles, this British squad also reflects a longer-term ambition: strengthening the talent pool that will carry the Union flag towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The balance between established leaders and rising prospects underlines an assertive strategy at the very start of the Olympic cycle.
A British squad featuring fresh faces
As has often been the case in recent years, the United Kingdom will arrive at the European Championships with high expectations, particularly in the sprint events. Much of the spotlight will fall on Matthew Richardson, who will contest his first European Championships in British colours after officially switching sporting allegiance. Formerly representing Australia, the 26-year-old sprinter made headlines throughout 2025 by setting two world records in the flying 200 metres on the Konya track, stopping the clock at an astonishing 8.857 seconds. Those performances have immediately positioned him as one of the leading figures of European sprinting.
Alongside Richardson, the British men’s sprint squad is built around a strong and experienced core. Hamish Turnbull, Olympic silver medallist in the team sprint in Paris, brings proven power and consistency at the highest level. Joe Truman, world silver medallist in 2018, remains a key reference point within the group, providing leadership and tactical nous. At just 22 years old, Harry Ledingham-Horn has already established himself among Europe’s top sprinters, having previously won world championship medals in the team sprint. The quartet is completed by Harry Radford (20), bronze medallist in the team sprint at his elite European debut in 2025, who continues his rapid progression within the senior ranks.
In the women’s sprint events, Great Britain line up with a reputation as one of the continental benchmarks. Emma Finucane, Olympic champion and already a European title holder, will lead the squad and is expected to be among the main contenders for gold. She is joined by fellow Olympic champion Sophie Capewell, who returns to European competition after a lighter 2025 season. Lauren Bell and Rhianna Parris-Smith, both European silver medallists in the team sprint, continue their steady upward trajectory, while Lowri Thomas, still relatively new to the elite scene since her debut in 2024, returns to the European stage with the aim of cementing her place at the top level.
In the endurance disciplines, the selection takes on a more strategic dimension. On the men’s side, Ollie Wood, Olympic silver medallist in the team pursuit, makes his return after a quieter 2025 campaign but remains one of the natural leaders of the British endurance squad. He is joined by Mark Stewart, world silver medallist in the Madison, as well as Matt Bostock and Will Tidball, the latter a recognised specialist in bunch races.
However, much of the attention will be focused on the newcomers stepping up to elite level. Henry Hobbs, aged just 18, arrives with a formidable junior résumé as a three-time junior world champion. Having dominated the youth categories in individual pursuit, omnium and team events, he now makes his first appearance at senior championship level. Even at such a young age, Hobbs has already demonstrated an unusual versatility across multiple endurance formats.
Ben Wiggins, 20, also reaches a significant milestone with his first elite selection. A regular medallist at European and world level in the under-23 ranks, he has established himself as a reliable and technically sound rider in the team pursuit, a discipline in which the UK continues to place great emphasis on continuity and collective precision.
Another notable inclusion is Tim Shoreman, who will make his debut for the British elite track squad. A multiple winner on the domestic road circuit, Shoreman earns recognition for his performances at national level and is now given the opportunity to translate his all-round racing qualities onto the continental track stage.
On the women’s endurance side, the British team is anchored by a central figure: Katie Archibald, who will be chasing an extraordinary 21st European title in Konya, a tally that underlines her longevity and sustained excellence at the highest level. Alongside her, Josie Knight and Anna Morris, both Olympic bronze medallists, will look to reclaim the team pursuit title before turning their attention to the individual events later in the programme.
The women’s selection also highlights several riders transitioning into the elite ranks. Imogen Wolff, a double junior world champion, makes her senior debut at just 19 years of age, reinforcing the United Kingdom’s willingness to integrate its most successful young riders without delay. Millie Couzens, absent from international track competition since 2021—when she claimed three European under-23 titles—returns directly at elite level in a move that has drawn considerable interest. Kate Richardson, after focusing primarily on road racing throughout 2025, completes a group of riders seeking to establish new reference points at the top tier of European track cycling.
British Team – 2026 European Track Cycling Championships
Men’s Sprint
Harry Ledingham-Horn
Harry Radford
Matthew Richardson
Joe Truman
Hamish Turnbull
Women’s Sprint
Lauren Bell
Sophie Capewell
Emma Finucane
Rhianna Parris-Smith
Lowri Thomas
Men’s Endurance
Matt Bostock
Henry Hobbs
Tim Shoreman
Mark Stewart
Will Tidball
Ben Wiggins
Ollie Wood
Women’s Endurance
Katie Archibald
Millie Couzens
Josie Knight
Anna Morris
Kate Richardson
Imogen Wolff
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