British team pursuiters set fast practice pace in Australia

Great Britain's male team pursuit squad have been setting blisteringly fast times in practice in the run-up to the 2012 track World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, which takes place from Wednesday April 4 to Sunday April 8.

On Wednesday, the GB pursuiters set a time of two minutes and 42.1 seconds over 2,750 metres at the Darebin International Sports Centre, which is not far off a world record-setting pace. The full event will be run over 4,000 metres at the nearby Hisense Arena.

Britain has taken its full-strength Olympic endurance line-up to Melbourne, with Steven Burke, Ed Clancy, Peter Kennaugh, Ben Swift, Andy Tennant and Geraint Thomas all in attendance. 

The Track Worlds will provide something of a rematch in the team pursuit. Britain has a score to settle with Australia having been beaten on home soil in the Olympic test event in the new London velodrome in February.

Australia's time of 3-54.615 in the final was not far off Great Britain's current world record of 3-53.314, set during the gold-medal winning ride at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Britain's final was disrupted when Thomas clipped Kennaugh's wheel and was forced up the banking, breaking the team's rhythm.

Next week's Track World Champs are crucial in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, as it provides the last chance for riders to hone their form in top-level competition. The London 2012 men's team pursuit final takes place on August 3.

Britain's practice session was filmed by Cycling Victoria and posted on YouTube. To watch the clip, click on the 'play' button below.

Related links

British squad announced for crucial Track World Championships

London Track World Cup 2012: Coverage index