The party pf 19 for the event in Pruszkow, which gets underway on March 25, includes eight medallists from the 2008 Olympics.

 

However, defending champions Sir Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Rebecca Romero will not be competing.

 

Despite the trio of absentees British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford believes the squad has a good mix as they build towards London 2012.

 

He said: "This has been a winter of experimentation and innovation for the team and our selection of riders reflect that.

 

"We have a great mix of youth and experience and see Poland as our first step on the road to London 2012."

 

Cavendish's inclusion means he will represent his country on the track for the first time since failing to win the Madison in Beijing, after of which he vowed never to compete on the track again because he wanted to concentrate on his career on the road.

 

The Isle of Man rider, winner of four stages in last year's Tour de France, is part of a six-man endurance group but it is yet to be decided which events he will compete in.

 

With Rob Hayles having announced his retirement, Cavendish could be paired with fellow Manxman Peter Kennaugh in the Madison.

 

Wiggins, the three-time individual pursuit champion - will not be involved as he is focusing on competing on the road.

 

Geraint Thomas is absent for the same reason.

 

Sir Chris is ruled out through injury meaning there is a decision to be made over who takes his place in the team sprint, though Jamie Staff and Jason Kenny are certainties.

 

Matt Crampton and Ross Edgar will be vying for a spot while David Daniell, who won World Cup gold in Manchester last November, is set to go in the kilometre.

 

Victoria Pendleton is expected to defend her women's sprint crown and the women's team sprint alongside Shanaze Reade.

 

Wendy Houvenaghal will be hoping to go one better than her silver at the Olympics in the individual pursuit without reigning champion Romero, who is yet to return to the saddle since her exploits last August.

 

The full squad is:

 

Men: Ross Edgar, Jamie Staff, Matthew Crampton, Jason Kenny, David Daniell, Chris Newton, Mark Cavendish, Ed Clancy, Steven Burke, Peter Kennaugh, Jonny Bellis

Women: Victoria Pendleton, Anna Blyth, Shanaze Reade, Jess Varnish, Wendy Houvenaghel, Lizzie Armitstead, Joanna Rowsell, Katie Colclough.