PAUL Manning believes British cycling can better their record-breaking haul of medals when the Olympic torch lands in London in 2012.

After eight golds, four silvers and two bronzes, the performances of the British team have earned headlines and envy from around the world.

And while Stockport-based Manning has admitted his Olympic days are over at 33, he insists he is leaving behind a golden generation of cycling talent.

"I can’t believe how much the sport has changed and improved in the last eight years," said Manning, who landed team pursuit gold in Beijing.

"The talent in this team - and in the riders coming up through the academy ranks - is scary. We believe we should medal in every event - the whole world is watching us to see what we do."

And Manning paid tribute to team-mate Bradley Wiggins, after he helped himself to two golds in the Far East.

"This is the end of a long journey for Brad and me," added Manning.

"We were chuffed when we won bronze in Sydney and devastated when we won silver in Athens.

"We’ve been through a lot, but having someone like that to push you on and drive you on, it’s hard to fail.

"He’s a fantastic competitor and a inspiring influence on this team. I’m very privileged to have spent the last eight years riding with him."

Youngsters Ed Clancy and Geraint Thomas completed Britain’s pursuit quartet and their addition to the wise and wily Wiggins and Manning has made a critical difference.

Britain crushed final opponents Denmark by more than six seconds to break their own world record.

Australia - who beat them four years ago and have long been their nemesis in the event - didn’t even medal, losing to New Zealand in the bronze race.

"I can’t believe its taken eight years to actually win it," said Manning.

"You’ve seen the progression in that time, but there was an awful lot of disappointment in the early years when Australia were a dominant force and try as we did, we couldn’t match them.

"I’ve ridden a lot of miles, learned a lot and got used to quite a bit of failure, but the last three or four years, as we’ve built towards Beijing, have been the most enjoyable of my life.

"It’s hard to believe we could go as fast as we did. We didn’t expect to lower our record by seconds, especially when we’ve worked so hard in recent months just to shave hundredths off our times.

"It’s my third Olympic medal, but there is a much better view at the top of the podium. We’ve persevered and we’ve won through."