HALESOWEN cycling star Jess Varnish competes for their first time since her Olympic heartbreak later today.

The 21-year-old takes to the track with Becky James to begin a new era in the women’s team sprint at the Track Cycling World Cup first round in Cali, Columbia.

It’s Varnish’s first competitive action since she and team-mate Victoria Pendleton were disqualified from the same event in London for an illegal changeover, dashing their hopes of gold.

Pendleton has since retired and Varnish, along with James, is at the front of the queue to take over the mantle as Britain’s top female sprinter.

The two riders will also compete in Friday’s individual sprint event, followed by the keirin on Saturday.