Ed Clancy returns to pursuit team for track World Championships

Ed Clancy has returned to the Great Britain team pursuit squad for the track cycling World Championships.

Clancy - who won gold in the team pursuit at London 2012 - was part of the three-man team sprint at November's Track World Cup in Glasgow.

Kian Emadi or Matt Crampton will join Olympic team sprint champions Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny in the sprint.

Jess Varnish is missing with a back injury for the event in Minsk, Belarus from 20-24 February.

Sir Chris Hoy was the third member of the men's team sprint at London 2012, but is taking a break this season as he contemplates his future.

Clancy, Hindes and Kenny came second in the team sprint in Glasgow behind Germany.

Varnish is replaced in the women's sprint by Vicky Williamson, who will team up with Becky James in a new-look line-up.

Performance director Sir Dave Brailsford said: "The first year of an Olympic cycle is always an interesting one as it gives the opportunity for our young riders to compete alongside the world's best and experience the competitive environment, which is crucial for their development."

Great Britain team for the track cycling World Championships, Belarus

Men's sprint: Matt Crampton, Kian Emadi, Jason Kenny, Phil Hindes

Women's sprint: Becky James, Vicky Williamson

Men's team pursuit: Steven Burke, Ed Clancy, Jon Dibben, Owain Doull, Sam Harrison, Andy Tennant, Simon Yates

Women's team pursuit: Elinor Barker, Dani King, Laura Trott