French cycling legend Jeannie Longo has all but clinched a place in the Beijing Olympics at the age of 49.

The five-time world champion staked her claim with an outstanding win in the time-trial at the French National Championships on Thursday. She finshed in 31 minutes 16 seconds, more than a minute ahead of second-placed Edwige Pitel.

The French team for China has yet to be named, but her win in the national championships puts her in prime position to grab a spot.

Longo at the start of the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic

Photo: Casey B. Gibson

"My target was to represent France at the Olympic Games," Longo said. "Now, I am aiming at a podium placing. It will be tough and even if I finish in the first five at Beijing I will be happy."

Longo, who turns 50 on October 31, has won world road time trial titles, but her only Olympic gold came when she won the road race at the Atlanta Olympics, 12 years ago.