BEIJING, July 9 -- Chinese cyclists can take at least one medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, said Jiang Yonghua, the Athens Olympic silver medalist at the 2007 Chinese national track cycling championship on Monday.

"After Jiang Cui Hua and I retired from the national team, I used to fear that Chinese national cycling team could face a period of tough time, but now I think there is no need for us to worry," said Jiang, who has become an official of Beijing team.

Jiang told Xinhua that a group of young Chinese cyclists has proved they have the ability to take medals in the international events.

"Cyclists, such as Guo Shuang, Gong Jinjie, Zheng lulu of our national team had won medals in international championships and World Cups, " said Jiang.

Tipped as a gold medal hopeful in the 2008 Olympic Games, Guo had been sent to Switzerland for training.

"I think Guo was the best among them, she has been trained in Europe for more than four years, I am kind of envy her. When I was a cyclist, I did not get the chance to be trained abroad. I think she has the ability to take at least a medal in 2008," added Jiang.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) announced 13 months ago that the women's 500m time trial would be replaced by bicycle motor cross (BMX) in 2008. It was a disastrous blow for Jiang, China's first ever Olympic cycling medal winner

"I love biking. After knowing the event had been eliminated from the Beijing Olympic Games, I shifted to the pursuit event, but after failing to take the gold in the national games, I decided to retire," said Jiang.

China has pinned its gold medal hopes on the women's 500m time trial at the 2008 Games as its former two Olympic medals both came from the event. Jiang Cuihua won a bronze at the Sydney Games and Jiang Yonghua claimed a silver at the Athens Games.