Performance director Brailsford told a press conference on the first day of the World Cup series he had not enjoyed the new demands on his time since the country woke up to the extraordinary work being done at the National Velodrome in Manchester.
This weekend’s racing on their home track - the first of a five-event series which will take them back to China as well as Colombia, Denmark and Australia over the winter - has been billed as another victory parade for the British cycling team who won eight golds in Beijing.
But Brailsford said: “For some riders it’s all about Beijing and an opportunity to say thanks but if you count World Cups and World Championships, we’re 24 races away from London.
“After this one, 23 to go, not that many so we need to get our act together.
Racing
“As far as I’m concerned Beijing’s behind us and good riddance. I haven’t enjoyed it, personally anyway, since we’ve been home.
“And for me, it’s not about floats and the Queen and things like that. It’s about racing.”
He added: “Today for the first time since we got back, I got up and thought, ’Ha!’
“I’m happier today than I have been since I got back from Beijing.
“It’s good to be racing, back in the day job.”
The World Cup got off to a good start with Victoria Pendleton, Olympic, world, Commonwealth and national sprint champion, cruising through qualifying as the fastest rider.
Double gold winner Bradley Wiggins, in the scratch race; Ed Clancy, in the individual pursuit; Wendy Houvenaghel, in the individual pursuit, were the other Beijing medallists on the race programme today.
Tweet
