I get what you are meaning but the progress of the team has been well documented over the last 10 or so years, even going back to Boardman and Obree so i's not like the Bulgarian Weight lifters a few year ago who just appeared looking like bears...and that was the women! I think the other nations have faith in the team since the cycling performance has not been a surprise since we did the same at the words and have been progressing slowly over the years.

Chris Boardman was asked in an interview this morning what is their secret, he said no matter who they are or what they HAVE won, if they are not performing well at the moment of selection or if a team member in the persuit for example is weaker then they are OUT the team, no question!

It's like that with the rowing and sailing as well, there is so much competition within the team, in order to be selected everyone has to be on the ball, he was not impressed with Paula Radcliffe for that reason, she admitted herself that she wouldn't be able to compete so why was she there? just to rid herself of the "demons of Athens 04" Big name, past merits, in bad form, ah no matter! I bet some girls would have died for that place in the team! That's the secret to any of the winning teams, in 4 years if Phelps fails in the U.S swimming trials he can't go, simple, pick your best!