The Manchester velodrome awaits the weekend's actionPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceFlags of the 47 competing nations which will be used in medal ceremoniesPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceTyres and rims waiting to be prestretched in the mechanics' workshopPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance
Gear sprockets in the GB mechanics' workshopPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceAn electrician preparing the lighting rig casts a shadow over the red carpetPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceElectrical and telecommunications cabling for some of the 200 journalists' workstationsPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceShanaze Reade takes to the rollers in the warm-up areaPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceThe GB team prepare themselves in the warm-up areaPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceLizzie Armitstead prepares for a training session on the trackPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceGB team members on their way to the trackPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceA training session is reflected in the wing mirror of a pace bikePhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceThe British team take a relaxed attitude to their warm-upPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceRiders mirrored in the trackside wallPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceThe Britain line-up in training for the team pursuitPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelanceA cyclist's shadow falls on the sunlit trackPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/freelance
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