The programme for the 2014 championships was considerably extended, and all World Championship track events were held; ten Olympic events, (sprint, team sprint, keirin, team pursuit and omnium, for both men and women), for which qualification points for the 2016 Summer Olympics were available for the first time, and nine non-Olympic events; the men's madison race and points races, scratch races, sprint time trials (1000 metres for men, 500 metres for women) and individual pursuits for both genders were held as part of the championships.

In addition, the event took place outside continental Europe for the first time, being held in the French caribbean province department of Guadeloupe.

Great Britain topped the medal table with six golds, including a clean sweep of team and individual pursuit titles.

Despite the change, Laura Trott of Great Britain defended her title in the women's edition to retain her claim as most successful cyclist in the history of the event with six golds.

In doing so she ended British team-mate Joanna Rowsell's monopoly on all available major international team and individual pursuit titles.