Australia stoke rivalry with GB

Brett Lancaster won gold with Australia at the Olympics four years ago

Brett Lancaster says his Australia team-mates are determined to topple Great Britain's much-vaunted cycling team at the Olympics next month.

Britain won nine golds at the World Championships earlier this year, while Australia took just two bronze medals.

"I know a lot of people are talking about the Poms and they've certainly put some runs on the board," Lancaster told The Australian newspaper.

"But remember: nothing's better for an Aussie than beating the Poms."

Lancaster was part of a quartet that set a world record and beat Great Britain to claim gold in the team pursuit at the Olympics in Athens four years ago.

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Great Britain's Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Paul Manning and Ed Clancy broke that world record at the World Championships in March and Lancaster is looking to help Australia reclaim their top billing.

"We were not even at 100% when we broke the world record in Athens," he added. "I think we can go even quicker."

Australia coach Shayne Bannan believes Team GB will be under pressure going into the Beijing Games after their showing in Manchester.

"Our preparations are on track and I think you'll see us push the English, who've really raised the bar in the sport," said Bannan.

"But when you win nine (gold medals) at the world championships, there's a bit of pressure there, isn't there? So we'll see how they go."