SHAW cyclist Matt Walls is gearing up for a shot at Track World Championship glory.
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But with qualifying points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games also at stake, the five-day event in Berlin takes on extra importance.
The former Crompton House School pupil is one of 20 Manchester based riders heading out to Germany including golden couple, Jason and Laura Kenny.
Walls is part of the endurance squad and will be looking to show the form that brought him success at the Track World Cup in Minsk last November.
The 20-year-old took the omnium title edging out Italian Olympic gold medallist Elia Viviani in the final and taking two laps on the rest of the field.
Other members of the Berlin-bound squad include: Olympic medallists Ed Clancy, Katie Archibald, Elinor Barker, Phil Hindes, Jason Kenny and Katy Marchant.
Kian Emadi, Ethan Hayter, Mark Stewart, Charlie Tanfield and Ollie Wood have made selection for the men’s endurance squad alongside Walls and Clancy.
Performance Director Stephen Park said: “The world championships in Berlin mark an important milestone on the path to the Olympic Games for the track cyclists.
“And it has always been our clear intention for this stage of the cycle. Our focus now is on those riders who we believe have the potential to win a medal in Tokyo.
“The bar in track cycling is continuously being raised, which is great for keeping the sport healthy.
“But it also means the fight for every medal is much tougher so Berlin will be interesting.
“It’s also a good opportunity for our riders to show the selectors what they’re capable of and to help stake their claim on a place within the Olympic squad.
“Morale within the team is high as the anticipation of an Olympic Games grows, and everyone is looking forward to competing in Berlin.”
The championships take place from February 26 to March 2. The Tokyo Games, which would mark an Olympic debut for Walls, will go ahead from July 24 to August 9.