Cycling: Australian resurgence a warning for GB

Dave Brailsford (centre) says Great Britain are in 'terrific shape' ahead of the London Olympics

Australia’s resurgence in the Cycling World Championships should serve as a warning to Great Britain ahead of the London Olympics in just over two years time.

Britain cleaned up in Beijing with perhaps the most dominant one sport performance in the Games’ history but finished second to Australia in the medals table in Denmark.

There were still some standout British performances, notably the return to the saddle of Chris Hoy who won Gold in the Kierin, but the British aura seems to have eroded somewhat.

Britain’s performance director Dave Brailsford, who is combining the role with his road cycling duties at Team Sky, praised his team’s performance and appeared unruffled by the Australian challenge.

“Are in good shape for the Olympics? Yes, we are in terrific shape,” said Brailsford.

“We just came here to ride those events and see where we are at, with relatively new line-ups in some of them.

“And we are very much in the mix in all of them, with plenty of depth across the board.”

Despite finishing second GB produced the better set of results in the events which will make up the itinerary in London.

And Jason Kenny rounded off the tournament in style for GB by winning the omnium, a five event, all-round competition which will make its Olympics debut in 2012.

But nevertheless, the Australian’s have proved this week that they are intent on dethroning team GB in their own backyard. And with an average squad age of just 21 they have well and truly thrown down the gauntlet.