World pursuit champion Yvonne McGregor today issued a warning to the pretenders to her throne.

The 39-year-old Bradford cyclist, pictured, who defends her title in Antwerp at the end of September, said: "My commitment and dedication are as total as they have ever been.

"I went out for four hours on Christmas Eve, doing 75 miles, and even on the cold, snowy days I slithered to the end of my road before venturing out for a couple of hours in temperatures below freezing."

McGregor, who won her 3,000 metres individual crown on her home track at manchester velodrome last October, added: "January 1 always means it's time to focus fully on the bike again."

The Sydney Olympics bronze medallist continued: "I had a fairly quiet Christmas and New Year at home, but it was very enjoyable after my recent hectic lifestyle with dinners and awards and functions etc.

"But now it's back to the bike, which, after all, is my full-time job.

"And, while there's no pressure at all to get results early in the season, it is important to regain one's focus."

Added McGregor: "Our training camp at Alsager last month was fun - except for the weather.

"We discussed our race plans for this season, which was very much based on last season - early to mid-season on the road, finishing with the American campaign.

"That is the Hewlett Packard stage race (12 days and 700 miles) and World Cup races in Montreal and Philadelphia in June and July.

"This will provide me with the endurance base, and the springboard for the launch of my final campaign - defending my world title in Belgium."

McGregor's first task is a Great Britain women's training squad, which starts in Pollensa, Majorca on Monday.

She said: "We have three ten-day training camps planned - one a month from January to march. The aim is for some decent weather and a good, solid work base, and hopefully it will be warm enough to cycle in shorts!

"Our programme has yet to be outlined, but is generally based on a gradual increase in hours per week with steady-state riding.

"There is usually no specific training until the later camps, and it's also a good time for the team to bond again.

"Although quite a few of us live close by each other now in and around Stoke, there are a couple of new faces - Rachel Heal and Frances Newstead - so it is important to make them feel a part of the set-up as we spend so much time together throughout the season.

"Our first competitive outing of the year follows at the end of march in Italy after a week-long training camp out there."

Last year was a red letter season for British cycling, and that was one reason why Yvonne was delighted to receive the E T Bidlake Award - the sport's premier time trialling honour.

"I can honestly say I was very surprised, but also very, very honoured and happy to learn of my nomination," she revealed.

"The Bidlake Award has such a tradition in British cycling, and there were so many successes over the season that it must have been a very difficult decision to make.

"That it why I was very moved to be told of my success, and it capped an amazing season for me."