Rio de Janeiro: Britain can match their incredible track cycling haul from London four years ago, according to Joanna Rowsell-Shand, part of the record breaking women’s pursuit team in the Olympic velodrome.

The British women set three world records over two days to retain their Olympic crown and claim Britain’s third cycling gold medal in Rio.

Britain already has the titles for the men’s team sprint and men’s team pursuit — also in a world record time.

On Saturday, Becky James won silver in the women’s keirin while reigning champion Jason Kenny and Callum Skinner qualified for the men’s sprint final, guaranteeing Britain gold and silver on Sunday.

Four years ago and in Beijing 2008, Britain won seven of the 10 Olympic disciplines.

“So far it’s looking on to match or beat it,” said Rowsell-Shand after picking up her medal alongside Laura Trott, Katie Archibald and Elinor Barker.

“The men’s team sprint and men’s team pursuit are massive inspirations to us. To see those in the first two days, to see the times with Olympic and world records tumbling down — that was great.

“When you’ve trained with people, been on the holding camps together and seen all the work they’ve put in, you’ve seen that come off.

“You know when the team is going well you have more confidence in yourself, as well that the training for the group’s been working, the whole strategy, the whole taper and everything.

“So that was a good inspiration. Becky’s just got a medal — it’s all looking really good.

“We’ve got Laura (Trott) in the omnium, she’s the world champion, she’ll be the favourite for that one as well, without wanting to put too much pressure on her.

“But she’s got good form so fingers crossed for a top result from her there.”

China won the women’s team sprint on Friday and Elis Ligtlee of the Netherlands pipped James in the keirin, but otherwise it has been another demonstration of British track dominance, a sight that has become increasingly common in recent years despite the team failing to win a single gold medal at the 2015 world championships.

Success has bred confidence in the British camp. “It’s pretty amazing, I’m buzzing off it at the moment,” said James, whose rugby union star boyfriend George North watched her in the stands.

“It’s really helped seeing everyone else win gold medals. It really helped and motivated me to come away with a medal too.”