CYCLING World Track Championships:David O'Loughlin got his world track championship campaign under way in Palma, Majorca, yesterday, but was disappointed by his showing in the individual pursuit.

As was the case in the recent Manchester World Cup, the Mayo rider was faster in the days leading up to the race than in the competition itself, something which is perplexing for both him and team manager Frank Campbell.

According to Campbell, O'Loughlin has been on four-minute 25 seconds to 4.26 pace in training this week, yet in yesterday's contest he set 4.30.595 to finish 17th. This mirrors his showing in Manchester.

It was thought that perhaps he had done too much in the days leading up to that event, but an easier programme this week did not turn things around.

"I felt okay out there, I guess," he said. "But I am disappointed because I was hoping to go a couple of seconds faster. In training I am a lot quicker. I was going much, much faster than on the day (of racing), so we have to work out what is happening.

"Both here and in the last three World Cups, I didn't put it together on the day, so it is disappointing from that point of view.

O'Loughlin set his national record of 4.29.9 on his debut at the discipline back in September, and while he has beaten that in training, he has not done so in an official setting. He was approximately 0.7 seconds off that again yesterday, and lost a little of this time when he thought he had a puncture and swung up the banking. The bike proved to be fine, though.

"We've checked everything out and can't find anything wrong," said Campbell. "We are using new tubs (tyres) here and think that perhaps one slipped slightly on the banking."

Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins showed excellent form in the race, winning his second world championship individual pursuit title. He went almost five seconds quicker than closest rival Robert Barko in qualifying, setting a time of 4.15.976, and then caught the German in the final.

O'Loughlin and Campbell said they will analyse the gathered data from training and competition to try to pinpoint what needs to be changed in his final preparation.

He has clearly got the engine needed, but, for whatever reason, has not been able to deliver on that potential in competition.

This is the first Irish participation at this level in 11 years, though, and it takes time to build the necessary experience.

O'Loughlin will also go in the points race tomorrow.