Australian women’s track cycling endurance coach Gary Sutton calls the national titles “crunch time” for his athletes in the buildup to the London Olympics.

Since winning the 2010 team pursuit world title, the squad has struggled with a succession of injuries.

They were fourth at last year’s worlds in the team pursuit, which will make its Olympic debut this year.

Olympian Kate Bates’ retirement late last year because of injury was another setback.

The January 26-29 nationals in Adelaide are not a “first past the post” selection event ahead of the Olympics, with some riders using the event more as a high-quality hitout.

But it will be massive for the six-rider women’s track endurance group.

For them, it is the end of a selection process for next month’s World Cup round in London.

That event and the April world titles in Melbourne are major stepping stones for Australian track cycling ahead of the Games.

“Now it’s crunch time and on Saturday will be making some hard decisions on who goes to London (World Cup),” Sutton said.

“There’s nothing between any of them.

“The crunch is, they’ve all done the work.

“Once the numbers are pinned on their backs, now’s the time to stand up and be counted.”

The good news for Sutton is that the group is now largely injury-free.

Along with 2010 world champions Ashlee Ankudinoff, Sarah Kent and Josie Tomic, the squad features Melissa Hoskins, Amy Cure and Annette Edmondson.

Sutton also stressed the two riders who miss out could still be in the frame for the April world titles.

Cycling Australia national performance director Kevin Tabotta is also pleased with how the squad is progressing.

“Right now, I wouldn’t underestimate the Australian women’s track endurance group,” Tabotta said.

“I like the idea that they go in slightly as the underdogs and I think they will be liking that as a challenge.

“I believe we’re right on track with the women’s team to be right in it.”

The nationals, which also feature under-19 competition, have attracted most of Australia’s top track riders, including Olympic medal contenders such as Anna Meares, Kaarle McCulloch, Rohan Dennis, Luke Durbridge, Jack Bobridge and Shane Perkins.

The senior events to be decided on Thursday will be the men’s 4000 individual pursuit, men’s 1km time trial, men’s team sprint and women’s 500m time trial.