The Australian cycling team is ready to challenge Britain at the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

Australia's medal hopeful Brett Lancaster believes his teammates are determined to topple Britain's much-vaunted cycling team at the Beijing Olympics.

"I know a lot of people are talking about the British and they've certainly put some runs on the board," said Lancaster.

Britain won nine golds at the 2008 Manchester Track Cycling World Championships in April, while Australia just took two bronze medals.

"Nothing's better for an Aussie than beating the British," added Lancaster.

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

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 per cent when we broke the world record in Athens. I think we can go even quicker," he added.

Australia coach Shayne Bannan says Britain 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 well see how they go."

Australia collected six cycling golds in Athens, leapfrogging the United States and Italy to become the third most successful nation in Olympic cycling history with 38 medals. Only Britain and France have won more.

(Xinhua News Agency July 29, 2008)