LONDON 2012: Thomas admits Aussies are setting the pace for team pursuit

Posted: Tuesday 22nd November 2011 | 14:42

GERAINT Thomas admits Australia are now ahead of Great Britain in the battle for team pursuit gold at London 2012 - but insists the defending champions will be ready when it matters.

HOPEFUL: Geraint Thomas is realistic about expectations as Great Britain's cyclists prepare for next year's London 2012 Olympics (Getty Images)

Alongside Bradley Wiggins, Ed Clancy and Paul Manning, Thomas was part of the GB team who smashed the world record on the way to winning gold n Beijing.

But since then the Australians have taken over their mantle and are the current world champions after beating Team GB to gold in Copenhagen earlier this year.

“To be honest I think the Australians are probably ahead of us in the team pursuit now," said Thomas.

“They are the current world champions and are posting some impressive times.

“However, we haven’t had our best side out for a while so when we do, we know we have to go out, work hard and do whatever we have to do to get in front of them again.

“I am sure it will be a lot closer than it was in Beijing though.”

Thomas, who wore the top young rider’s white jersey for the first seven stages at this year’s Tour de France, is also realistic about the expectation levels that will surround Team GB’s cyclists after winning an astonishing 14 medals, including eight golds, in Beijing.

He said: “There is always expectation and being at home and having smashed it four years ago there is bound to be even more.

“That doesn’t bother us at all. That’s something for the media to debate but the fans will know that we are getting out there, working hard and doing everything we can to come out on top.

“We are confident that will be enough but if it isn’t enough on the day then that’s life. That’s the kind of attitude we need to have.”