Australia smashes team pursuit world record by nearly two seconds
	March 1st 2019         Sam Welsford leads Australia to 2019 team pursuit world title. Photo: Casey Gibson           Australia is again on top of the world in the men's team pursuit with a record breaking ride delivering the rainbow jersey and new world record at the 2019 UCI Track World Championships in Pruszkow, Poland. The time of 3:48.012 shocked the crowd in the velodrome and viewers watching across the world with the time one point eight seconds faster than their existing mark, which was already close to four tenths of a second faster than any other team. "I am lost for words, this team is proving to be more and more special every time we come together," said O'Brien who claimed his second elite title. "What can I say except thank you, I am so grateful to be a part of this team," said Howard who continues his return to the track from the road. "I am fortunate that I have come back into the program with such a fantastic group, not just the riders but the staff has developed so much since I was last in the program and I couldn't be more thankful to everyone." After electing to skip the event at the 2018 UCI Track World Championships Australia put the world on notice then they broke the World Record two months later at the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first team to ride under three minutes 50 seconds for four kilometres. With a return to the World Championships Australia was eager to reclaim the rainbow jersey and they let their intentions be known from qualifying. Sam Welsford, Kelland O'Brien, Leigh Howard and Cameron Scott posted a time of 3mins 52.152secs more than a second and a half faster than second placed and defending champions Great Britain. Fast forward to the second round with Alex Porter replacing Scott the quartet easily dispatched New Zealand setting a quicker time of 3mins 51.529secs to earn their spot against long-time rivals Great Britain having been on world record pace for much of the ride. In the final Australia was in control from the start and never looked back only increasing as they were posting 55 second kilometres for the final three of race before stopping the clock in 3mins 48.012secs, just under two seconds faster than their existing World Record. "I'm a bit emotional, It's been a fantastic night and we probably exceeded our expectations in regard to time in the TP," said coach Tim Decker. "We came in here with a real focus to nail our ride and try to execute a good, skilled ride and try to find a way to make it happen and give those guys a chance to chase the rainbow bands and they were hungry to chase."