World champ Meares spearheads Aussie cycling team

Eleven-time world champion Anna Meares spearheads a medal-hungry Australian cycling team announced on Tuesday for the Olympic Games, with the track star gunning for a third gold medal in Rio de Janeiro. 

Meares will line up with Olympic debutant Stephanie Morton in the team sprint and also compete in the keirin while aiming to defend her London 2012 sprint title.

"It's a really nice feeling to make it to my fourth Games," said Meares, who set a new record haul of gold medals by winning the women's keirin at the World Track Cycling Championships in France this year.

"It (Rio) was the one event I wanted to make after London and although it's been a long road I know the next few weeks leading into Rio are going to fly by.

"I think I'll be going to Rio in the best physical form I have ever been in my career and I'm ready to do my absolute best for this team and my country."

Meares, 32, will become just the third female cyclist in Olympic history to compete in four Olympics on the track and is excited about the depth of talent and gold medal chances for the team.

"Our sprint team are going to be very strong in Rio. I've had a lot to do with the prospective Rio sprint athletes and I've really enjoyed that experience," said Meares, who is tipped to be Australia's flag carrier at the opening ceremony.

"I also think there are exciting times ahead for both the men's and women's endurance teams."

Rising star Pat Constable will partner world number one Matt Glaetzer in the men's sprint, while London Olympian Annette Edmondson will lead the women's teams pursuit.

Her brother Alex will join her in Rio after being named in the men's endurance team.

Source: AFP