A new performance monitoring system has been installed by BAE Systems at the Manchester Velodrome in a bid to help elite British cyclists prepare for the World and European Championships.

Derived from a battle space identification system, new laser-timing technology has been developed by the defence manufacturer as part of a £1.5m partnership with UK Sport to help improve the performance of British cyclists. Up to 30 cyclists will be able to train simultaneously at the UK's national cycling centre with the new system, which will use lasers installed at multiple locations around the track to identify a personalised code located on each bike.

James Baker, BAE Systems' director of technology and engineering services, said: "The new performance system demonstrates the essential role of engineering in helping our athletes to achieve those fractional improvements, which are often key to sporting success." Jamie Staff, Olympic gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, added: "As a sprinter it is vital that we have the most accurate system available - current break beam systems cannot differentiate between cyclists on the track and are less accurate, so this new technology will allow us to train harder and more as team."