World champions Morgan Kneisky and Benjamin Thomas looking to make their Six Day mark

The French pair won their first world Madison title together in April, when they topped an all Six Day London podium ahead of Callum Scotson and Cameron Meyer, with Moreno de Pauw and Kenny de Ketele in third.

That gold was not the only success for youngster Thomas either, with the 22-year-old leaving Hong Kong with two rainbow jerseys after also triumphing in the omnium.

And with Kneisky now boasting three world Madison titles in his career, the pair are sure to be one to beat when Six Day London kicks off in two weeks' time.

"It's exciting to come back with the world champion jersey," said Thomas.

"Last year I discovered Six Day London and it was a great atmosphere and a great event. So this year, with the jersey, I hope it will be even better and even more exciting. I hope Morgan and I will fight for the podium.

"Last year we finished close to the top five, so this year we hope we can get on the podium and we will fight for this. We know there is a really high level of riders at this event, but we will be ready. It's just after the Europeans so I will be going full gas and in form with Morgan."

Last year the French pair finished seventh in their first Six Day London, six laps down on de Ketele and de Pauw, but now with medals and more experience under their belt they will be a different proposition in 2017.

To win Six Day London, though, they will have to overcome reigning champions de Ketele and de Pauw – who they have more than a little in common with.

While de Ketele is currently recovering from a fractured hip, Kneisky has recently had his hand in a cast after breaking a bone in his thumb – meaning he will miss this month's European Championships.

"I don't know how I'm going to be in two weeks, I don't know if my arm will be ok so Six Day will be a test for me," he revealed.

"But being world champion gives me an enormous amount of confidence, especially after the injury, it also brings pressure though. As world champions we can't come to a race without being in form because everyone will want to beat us. There is some pressure, but it gives us confidence because we know we can win."