Alexander Edmondson

Australia avenged two successive men's team pursuit title losses to Great Britain here on Wednesday as they regained their world track crown on the first day of the world track cycling championships.

Australia has named eight defending champions in a strong team to contest the world track cycling championships in Melbourne next month, the last major event before the London Olympics.

Track king Sir Chris Hoy provided a glimpse of the medal-winning glory Britain can expect at the London velodrome this summer after stealing the show in a World Cup Olympic test event Sunday.

World champions Australia struck a psychological blow ahead of the Olympics as they beat Great Britain in the men's team pursuit final on Sunday in a World Cup event at the London Olympic velodrome.

Australia's quest to regain the Olympic team pursuit crown was given momentum after they qualified fastest in the World Cup Olympic test event here Thursday to secure a final against Britain.