Meares names Morton as a future champion

Anna Meares took out young teammate Steph Morton in the quarter-finals of the world titles, but insists the 25-year-old will mature into a world class winner.

Anna Mears (R) and Stephanie Morton (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Australian cycling legend Anna Meares believes teammate Steph Morton will become a giant of the sprint scene despite toppling the young star at the UCI Track World Championships in London.

Meares finished just out of the medals after losing the bronze showdown with Germany's Kristina Vogel, but marvelled at her earlier clash with Morton in the quarter-finals on Sunday (Monday AEDT).

Morton, 25, is seen as the natural successor to Meares as Australia's female sprint star and lived up to that billing again in London this week - posting the fastest flying lap before progressing to the quarter-finals.

It was the first time in six years that Australia had two women reach the final eight of the sprint event, with the master triumphing over the apprentice.

Meares fought back after losing the opening ride of their quarter-final by producing two tactically superior rides to nullify Morton's raw speed.

"I can imagine for Steph it might be a little frustrating because I do in some ways create a shadow for her and she is an incredible athlete in her own right," Meares said.

"I really hope the media and the people who follow this sport give her that respect because she is going to be great.

"I've only been able to overcome Steph in the individual sprint the past two times we've met.

"Ever since she won the Commonwealth Games in 2014 she has had the upper hand so I don't think (the quarter-final win is) reflective of me being a better rider."

For Meares it was a missed opportunity at securing an unprecedented 28th world championship medal in her 13th campaign, but, following an injury-disrupted summer with a long-term back injury, she felt her preparation for the Rio Olympics was firmly on track.

Sunday's semi-final, which she lost to eventual silver medal winner Junhong Lin, was her first appearance in the final four of a world title sprint race since 2012 - the year she won gold at the London Games.

That, in addition to the silver she won in the keirin earlier in the meet, gave Meares the confidence she was ready to make her mark at the Rio Games.

"For me getting into the final four of the sprint was a huge step," she said.

"It was a really huge step for my confidence, for my self belief, for just getting that feeling back again and I liked it, I'd like some more of that. But a little bit better next time.

"From my perspective out of this competition to get two fourths and a silver bodes really well in my case for selection for Rio and that is where my interests lie to be quite honest.

"We'll have to wait and see what the selectors think."