In one of his less harebrained schemes, Boris Johnson has confirmed London will bid to host the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in 2016.

British Cycling has selected the capital as its preferred choice ahead of Manchester and Glasgow, with the London 2012 Olympic velodrome set to be called into action.

Johnson said: “I want our great capital city to play its own part in the cycling revolution that is taking place by hosting the track cycling world championships in 2016.

“This is the best sports city in the world and the wonderful velodrome we have built in east London would be packed to the rafters for such an event.”

The 2012 championships were hosted in Melbourne, Australia.