Only a podium finish will do for Anna Meares

ANNA Meares says she doesn't mind the new UCI world cup qualifying format which has forced her to earn points at the Adelaide Cycling Grand Prix.

Anna Meares

ANNA Meares says she doesn't mind the new UCI world cup qualifying format which has forced her to earn points at the inaugural Adelaide Cycling Grand Prix.

However, the reigning Olympic gold medallist revealed that being on equal terms with all competitors at the SuperDrome is definitely something which she must get her head around despite being the best women's track sprinter on the planet.

"It's really good to get back into racing but now I've got to earn points," Meares said.

"In the time that I had a break after London (2012 Olympic Games) they've changed the qualification.

"Before I was at the top of the ladder and I've come back in right at the bottom.

"It's a little bit of a predicament but I'm quite confident, it's difficult to be flying now off a break and hold that all the way through until February when the worlds are."

But Meares is tonight aiming to turn it on at the SuperDrome.

She said nothing less than a podium in the 500m sprint and the keirin, after claiming third place in the women's sprint class on Thursday night, would be satisfying.

"It's my first race in 11 months and I feel heavy in the legs," she said.

"I'm really confident because this is probably the worst I'm going to go (this year on the track) and I'll just keep getting better and better.

"I always want to go better but I'm thinking, I'm acting, I'm moving and that's sometimes the hardest part of getting back into the process of doing.

"It's a good sign."