Hayles and Cummings are among Britain's medal prospects

A British team stalwart for over a decade, he has yet to win gold at a major championships despite going close in both team and individual pursuits.

The 32-year-old will seek to change that in the individual pursuit.

Chris Hoy should defend his kilometre time trial crown but Bradley Wiggins, who won three Olympic medals last year, is pursuing success in road racing.

Hayles fancies his chances in the pursuit against Spain's Sergi Escobar, who edged him out for the title at last year's Worlds and won their bronze medal race in Greece.

"I've got a nice collection, I just need some stripes now," said Hayles, referring to the rainbow jersey worn by world champions.

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Hoy, Athens gold medalist in the kilometre time trial, is expected to defend his world title in the same event.

On the back of just three weeks' training, the Scot won the Manchester leg of the World Cup with a time which would have been good enough to earn a medal at most World Championships.

He could be joined on the podium by 2000 Olympic champion Jason Queally.

Both men are expected to be in the medals as part of the team sprint squad which will also include Jamie Staff after Craig MacLean was forced to withdraw with flu.

Staff could return to defend the Keirin title he won last year while the likes of Ross Edgar, Victoria Pendleton and Emma Davies are among GB's other medal hopefuls.

In the team pursuit, Australia have foiled British ambitions on several occasions and will be the favourites again this week.

Aussie quartet win in Athens

The men in green and gold have beaten British fours in the finals of the last Olympics as well as the 2000, 2003 and 2004 World Championships.

But there is a feeling in the British team, however, that this could be their year.

Performance director Dave Brailsford said: "We'll do our thing and do the best time that we can do and we'll just see what they can do."