Two-time Olympic pursuit champion Bradley Wiggins expects a tough battle on Monday when he leads Britain out in a bid to claim its first Olympic gold in the coveted team pursuit.

Britain’s four underlined their credentials as heirs to defending champions Australia by beating their own world record in Beijing on Sunday in a time of 3:55.202 seconds.

It allowed the Brits to finish fastest in the first round and book the gold medal match against Denmark. An impressive New Zealand quartet will face Australia in the fight for bronze.

Britain's Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas and Paul Manning came over the finish line together in world record time having raced as a trio for the final three and a half laps after losing Wiggins - something allowed in an event where the clock is stopped when the third member of the team completes the course.

Wiggins admitted he had had only four hours sleep after successfully defending his Olympic individual pursuit crown Saturday, after which he left the doping control at 11 p.m. local time.

He said the next 24 hours will allow him and his team to rest for what he said will be a "tough battle."

"Denmark will give us a tough ride," said the 27-year-old Londoner.

The Danes lost one of their riders in the closing stages, but the world silver medalists still managed to post an impressive 3:56.831 to virtually book their place in the final.

One of their main "engines," Alex Rasmussen, was delighted they had achieved that aim.

It was a dream that began four years ago when their coach Heiko Salzwedel started them off on four old-fashioned endurance bikes.

Denmark rides its way into Monday's gold-medal final.

Photo: Graham Watson

"We're full of confidence. Of course Britain are the favorites, but the way we rode today was just a perfect ride," Rasmussen told AFP.

He said their strategy had been to start fast, and reel in the French quartet they were racing against in a bid to give them a target.

"We wanted a really strong start so we could catch them later, then it makes it much easier when you can see them on the straight. It gives you a big boost at the end."

British coach Matt Parker believes a new world record could be set on Monday, but - having had made plans to make the final in a world record time two years ago - he believes his team is up for the challenge.

"We sat down two years ago and spoke about riding a (four minutes) 55.3," he said. "You always have to look aiming to improve times in sport. The boys are confident they've got more to come."

Australia's title defense fell apart when the team lost Brad McGee with four laps to ride.

They eventually finished in 3:58.633, but will have to battle a New Zealand quartet that posted an impressive 3:57.536 despite losing Hayden Roulston in the closing stages.

Heavy traffic: The British team laps the Russians on the way to setting a new world mark.

Photo: Casey B. Gibson

Another of Britain's coaches, Australian Shane Sutton, meanwhile calmed fears that Wiggins's endeavors in his individual campaign for gold would make itself felt on Monday.

"Brad will be fine," said Sutton. "It would (have to) be a brave man going into the Olympic final without Bradley Wiggins. Even half of Bradley Wiggins would do."