Brits scoop up medals at velodrome

Britain's track cyclists lived up to their advance billing at the Olympic velodrome, winning medals in all four events on the first two days of compe- tition, including three gold medals.

Britain came to Beijing as the team to beat after winning nine golds in 18 events at the track world championships in Manchester, England, in March. But some questioned whether their success could be repeated.

"I think there is a bit of a shock here at how strong we are," said Rebecca Romero, who is assured of a medal after making it to the gold medal round of the women's individual pursuit.

"Everybody kept asking 'can they move up another gear, have not they peaked too soon?' Now we showed that we could move on and that is a bit of a shock to the other teams I think."

Britain have won six medals including three golds at the velodrome since competition began on Friday.

They are assured of at least two more today because Romero will race team-mate Wendy Houvenaghel for the gold.

"We have become the dominant force," said Bradley Wiggins, who won gold yesterday in the men's 4 km individual pursuit.

Britain's cycling coach Shane Sutton said the track team drew on the success of British women in the Olympic road cycling events. Nicole Cooke took gold in a gruelling, rain-soaked road race while Emma Pooley won silver in the time trial at the Great Wall of China.

"We're kind of on a roll right now," Sutton said. "We were hoping for such a sweep."

Wiggins and Chris Hoy are both trying for three gold medals.

Wiggins competes in the endurance events: the individual and team pursuit and the madison.

Hoy is a sprinter and has already won two gold medals, in the team sprint and the keirin. He will race for a third in the individual sprint.