Athletes aiming for the Olympics will begin their preparations for next year’s Games with a match against the USA, Sweden and Germany on January 26.

The Norwich Union International at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall will raise the curtain on a massive year for country’s athletes, with the Olympic track programme getting underway less than seven months later.

Two further elite meetings will take place on home soil during the indoor season, with the Norwich Union World Trials set for Sheffield on February 9 and 10, and the Norwich Union Grand Prix again being staged at the NIA in Birmingham on February 16.

UK Athletics performance director Dave Collins said: “An Olympic year is always exciting for athletics and is the pinnacle of an athlete’s aims and dreams. Next year is no exception and the last lap to Beijing begins in Glasgow with the Norwich Union GB&NI team up against the best from the USA, Sweden and Germany.

“The indoor season is an integral part of the preparation for many of our athletes, particularly with the outdoor season starting early next year. The events in Glasgow, Sheffield and Birmingham are an important stepping stone on the road to success in China.”

Tickets for all three UK Athletics indoor elite events will go on sale in early November.

UK Athletics Elite Indoor Meetings 2008

Norwich Union International – Glasgow – January 26

Norwich Union World Trials & UK Championships – February 9 & 10

Norwich Union Grand Prix – February 16