Sarah Storey has already overcome her Olympic disappointment as she prepares to defend her Para-Cycling Track World Championships titles in Los Angeles next weekend.

Storey's bid to compete in the team pursuit at the London Olympics was ended last December when she was dropped from the squad, without explanation, following the Track World Cup win in Cali, Colombia.

The 34-year-old's full focus is now on the Paralympics, with the California competition the final major event before London, her sixth Games.

Storey said: "The skills I've learnt to pick myself up and bounce back have come in very useful in this situation.

"That disappointment of being removed from the squad I've managed to turn into a positive already.

"I'll just keep pushing the legs and mind and make sure I stay ahead of the people and control the events I've got left now."

Bouncing back

On returning to Manchester from Colombia in December, Storey was told at the baggage carrousel by Paul Manning, the women's Olympic endurance coach, she was surplus to requirements for the team pursuit.

Rather than dwell on what might have been, Storey, whose debut Paralympics was as a 14-year-old swimmer in 1992, is now determined to make the most of the events she will be riding in the capital.

She added: "It hasn't hurt me. I've been philosophical because I've got so much to play for. It was always a bonus. I've always been a Paralympian with those events to focus on.

"I've got so much on my plate anyway that it's probably made life easier. I've got so many things to focus on."

In Los Angeles, Storey will be seeking to make a second successive defence of her individual pursuit and 500 metres time-trial world titles, to win those events at every world championships between the Beijing and London Games.

Team challenge

She is also set to ride in the team sprint, alongside defending champions Darren Kenny and Jody Cundy.

It is a mixed squad as a result of changes to the points and classification criteria.

Kenny and Cundy are defending world champions in the event, having won in Italy last year.

The trial in itself was a new experience for Storey, having never before begun in a staggered start, but she believes she benefited from her training with the team pursuit squad.

Storey added: "I surprised everyone to be able to get on the back of Darren Kenny's start, because he's the fastest man one we've ever had.

"Everyone was really impressed and it led to my selection in man two, which has triggered a few jokes.

"The stuff I'd been doing with the team pursuiters has improved my start. Although I'm not in that set-up, I've continued to improve."

Storey will be an overwhelming favourite in all three events and is desperate to continue her success to go into the London Paralympics at the top of the world.

She said: "The expectation will be there that I come back with rainbow jerseys to add to my collection.

"Everyone else is aiming to beat me, so I'll have to keep on my toes. LA is my third attempt at winning it again since Beijing (in 2008).

"It would be fantastic to go into London as both track and road world champion. It would give a bit of a psychological edge."