Reigning world keirin champion Shane Perkins knows how to win and is ready to do it.

The Victorian returns to Melbourne’s Hisense Arena ahead of the 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships with big goals in mind.

After a quiet London World Cup six weeks ago that fell during a heavy training phase, the 25-year-old’s preparation for the world championships is set to have him in perfect condition for the start of competition next Wednesday.

“Things are coming together well, I had a couple of good runs at training last week with a few PB’s and I am still paying the price a little for that this week but once we freshen up for next week it should be all guns blazing,” Perkins said.

“I will be disappointed if I don’t make the podium, that’s for sure.

“Obviously winning a world title last year has given me the confidence that I can win, so that will be my goal here.”

Adding the team sprint to his program for the first time, Perkins will join teammates Scott Sunderland and Matthew Glaetzer for his first ride of the championships, and despite the new combination he is confident the trio will take it to the world’s greatest.

“In the team sprint, I think we have got a really competitive team this year,” Perkins said.

“I think we would be silly if we said that we can’t win because I think we could definitely be a gold medal winning team.

In the sprint I will be looking at a podium or better and in the keirin, I would love to win another world title.”

Arriving in Melbourne yesterday Perkins, who with two children is the only parent in the Australian Cyclones team, is already feeling the build up of anticipation and is looking forward to some special home crowd support.

“I’m excited about (the chance to ride at home), it’s a great opportunity,” Perkins said.

“My son absolutely loves it when he sees the green and gold out there and actually recognises me so it’s a great feeling me to see that.

“My family are proud of me and what I am doing and I am proud of them. I am out their doing my best for them and the Aussies.

“I went for a cruise along the Yarra on the roadie yesterday and it’s a good feeling.  People know what’s going on here and they come up and ask how you’re going.

“There is a lot of buzz going around and it’s really exciting.”

UCI