Team GB's secret weapon: hot pants

The British track cycling team has unveiled the secret weapon that will fire their bid for Olympic medals: battery-powered hot pants.

The British track cycling team has unveiled the secret weapon that will fire their bid for Olympic medals: battery-powered hot pants.

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Every member of Team GB will wear the pants from the time they finish their warm-up until they step on to the boards.

The team's physiologist believes it will change cycling - the way high-tech suits improved swimming.

"I think this will become part of track cycling," said Esme Taylor, who has been a part of the technology's development.

With quick-release zips that allow the cyclists to swiftly remove them, the pants keep the bottoms and thighs at the optimum temperature of about 38C before the start of the race, much like tyre warmers used in F1.

The technology, which took four years to create, is collaboration between British Cycling, Loughborough University and Adidas. It was kept secret until the Games eve.

Scientists have shown there is a benefit to maintaining the temperatures cyclists build up by pedalling stationary bikes on the velodrome floor, but are unable to keep maintain it in the period they sit down before hitting the track.

"You really feel the temperature on your quads and hamstrings and it really makes a difference," the cyclist said.