Germans break team sprint world record in Cali

Germany fired off the sternest warning yet to Great Britain's sprinters that they will have to up their game at the London Olympics when they broke world record in the team sprint in the qualifying round of the World Cup event in Cali.

The British trio of Jamie Staff, Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy were the previous world record holders, setting the mark in qualifying at the Beijing Olympics, but in Colombia the German trio of Rene Enders, Maximilian Levy and world kilo champion Stafan Nimke blazed around the three laps in 42.914secs at an average speed of 62.916kph.

On the proviso that all three riders come through mandatory doping unscathed and the normal track and timing equipment tests that follow such a ride, the Germans will be declared world record holders.

Germany has traditionally been a powerhouse sprinting nation but in recent years has trailed a little behind Great Britain and France. The balance of power seems to be shifting again though and Germany have put together a powerful squad heading into Olympic year.

Indeed their second string team, riding in the colours of the Erdgas trade team, was second fastest in qualifying in Colombia with 43.934sec, eventually losing to their senior team in the final.