Aussies set 1st record at London Olympic Velodrome

LONDON — Australia's Kaarle McCulloch and Anna Meares have set cycling's first world record at London's Olympic Velodrome.

The world champion pair confirmed their status as strong contenders for the gold medals later this year by beating Lithuania's Gintare Gaivenyte and Simona Krupeckaite in a women's team sprint qualifier at the Track World Cup in 32.828 seconds.

Made of Siberian pine and built by Australian designer Ron Webb, the super-fast track at the new $125-million velodrome had been expected to provide the perfect conditions for record-breaking sprint performances at the four-day World Cup.

The meet is the first competitive event at the 6,000-seat venue and doubles as an Olympic test event.