by Justin Davis

BEIJING, Aug 15, 2008 (AFP) – Britain’s search for more Olympic track
cycling glory was given a huge boost Friday in the qualifying sessions for the
men’s and women’s individual pursuit.

And it could come with the additional bonus of Bradley Wiggins breaking
compatriot Chris Boardman’s longstanding world record of four minutes 11.114
seconds for the 16-lap race against the clock.

Already Britain’s most decorated Olympic cyclist with four medals, Wiggins
began the defense of his title with a new Games record of 4:15.031 in winning
his qualifying race.

Wiggins brushed aside concerns over a recent virus by hammering over the
250km track to pip his old record of 4:15.165.

British track chief Dave Brailsford said the 27-year-old Londoner can go
faster in either the first round or the final – both of which are raced on
Saturday.

“To come out and ride a personal best is what the Olympics are all about.
The (world) record is on the cards,” said Brailsford.

Wiggins will also compete in the men’s team pursuit, in which Britain are
world champions and world record holders, and in the Madison in which he is
world champion with Mark Cavendish.

Wendy Houvenaghel then clocked the fastest time in qualifying for the
women’s individual event, which is held over the shorter distance of three
kilometers, compared to four for the men.

The Northern Irishwoman, a bronze medal winner at world level, clocked
3:28.443 secs to claim her place in the first round alongside reigning world
champion and team-mate Rebecca Romero.

Romero, an Olympic medallist in Athens four years ago where she won silver
in rowing’s quadruple sculls, finished second in qualifying in 3:28.641.

Another Briton, Steven Burke, qualified for his final after posting the
fifth fastest time.

One of the biggest shocks of the men’s session was the failure of either of
Australia’s two pursuit riders, Brad McGee and Brett Lancaster, to qualify
among the fastest eight.

McGee, the silver medalist in Athens, said he had simply failed to live up
to expectations.

“That was not the Bradley McGee I expected to be. You come in with a
positive mindset and in really good shape, but it just didn’t turn out,” said
McGee, who suffered a broken collarbone in a crash in May.

“No Olympic preparation has been perfect. At 32 (years of age), it’s just
not happening any more, but so goes life.”

New Zealand’s Hayden Roulston was impressive in qualifying, but admitted he
faces a big ask if he makes it to Saturday’s final.

“I think anyone is beatable but you have to cut your head off to beat
Bradley (Wiggins),” said the New Zealander.

American Taylor Phinney, who only started track racing 10 months ago but
has made stunning progress since and become the US champion, also qualified -
but admitted he had suffered in doing so.

“That’s the hardest pursuit I’ve ever done. I couldn’t even walk down the
ramp afterwards!” said Phinney, the son of 1984 Olympic champion Connie
Carpenter and Olympic time-trial bronze medalist Davis Phinney.

Ahead of his bid to make some Olympic history himself, the 19-year-old has
no doubts about who the pacesetter will be on Saturday.

Phinney added: “Wiggins breaking the Olympic record on this track is
incredible. That gives me hope for tomorrow.”