Tim Decker has a scary message for cyclists who want to dethrone Bendigo International Madison champions Sam Welsford and Kelland O'Brien.
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The head coach of the Australian track endurance team said Welsford and O'Brien were still "developing" as Madison riders.
That's little comfort to the riders who have finished behind them in the past two Bendigo events.
"On the world level in team pursuiting they (Welsford and O'Brien) are the best in the world,'' Decker said.
"In the world of madison riding they're developing. On the 250m tracks at the world level it works out a bit different.
"They've had a go at one World Cup, but next season we'll put them together for a couple more World Cup races.
"Their real strength is sprinting, but on the 250m tracks you have to be able to take laps and they're starting to develop that.
"As a Madison pairing they're starting to develop into a great pairing for the future.
"I wouldn't be surprised if one or both of them ride in the Madison at Tokyo (Olympics), but the main priority in Tokyo will be the team pursuit."
Welsford and O'Brien outclassed the field in a shortened race on Sunday night after a heavy crash resulted in a dozen riders pulling out.
Decker, who won the Madison on his home track in 1996, said the star duo had performed well on a short back-up from winning gold in world record time at the World Championships in Poland.
"It's a big ask to come here straight after the World Championships,'' Decker said.
"They're a great team and they were pretty fired up to do well.
"The original plan was to build through the 200 laps, but when the accident happened we spoke about stamping their authority and giving the crowd a show of what they can do.
"They went for broke in every sprint and really wanted to put on a show."
Decker said the crash was the worst he'd seen in a Bendigo Madison.
He praised the riders who fell and then returned to finish the race.
"Crashes are a part of cycling,'' Decker said.
"The boys are very, very tough. I'm glad a few of the teams were able to get back on the bike and finish the race.
"Hopefully, it sets things up for a big race next year."
Related: Madison stopped after heavy crash
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