No problems for Pendleton who eases into sprint quarter finals

 VICTORIA Pendleton remains on course for a fourth consecutive individual world sprint title after cruising through to quarter finals at the Ballerup Arena in Copenhagen.

EASY DOES IT: Victoria Pendleton eases her way into the last eight as she bids for a fourth consecutive individual sprint title (Getty Images)

The 29-year-old, the current Olympic champion and in total a four-time world champion, eased into the last eight second fastest, as Australia's Kaarle McCulloch continued her irresistible form to romp through as the fastest qualifier.

McCulloch teamed up with Anna Meares to scoop the team sprint title in a new world record time on Wednesday and clocked 11.536 seconds to set the pace in the Danish capital.

Pendleton was not far behind however and clocked 11.552, having cruised through the opening rounds.

The golden girl of British Cycling burst into tears upon defending her title last year after clinching the hardest of victories over the Netherlands' Willy Kanis in the deciding race in Poland.

And she will have her work cut out if she is to hang on to the rainbow jersey with McCulloch firing on all cylinders and bidding to continue Australia's dominance in Copenhagen.

Earlier, Pendleton defeated compatriot Jess Varnish with a time of 11.794 seconds ensuring her team sprint partner could not make the final 16 after the youngster had made it into the top 24 in the first round of qualifying.

Becky James was also defeated in the second qualifying round by a powerful ride by Clara Sanchez from France, who stopped the clock at 11.874 seconds making sure the 18-year-old could not go any further.