With a Silver medal already in the bag after the 500m TT, World Sprint Champion Victoria Pendleton won a very welcome gold medal, it shows how much experience and power she has developed since Manchester. although she certainly left it late to take the final sprint in the finals and once again upset the home crowd.
After the Silver ride in the TT, Pendleton was clearly focused and motivated for this one and knew that to beat Anna Meares in the final she'd have a tough task. Next up for Pendleton is the World Campionships in April, so expect more fireworks against the Meares sisters.
Results
Semifinals
Heat 1
Victoria Pendleton (England) beat Elisabeth Williams (New Zealand) 2 - 0
Heat 2
Anna Meares (Australia) beat Kerrie Meares (Australia) 2 - 0
Final for bronze
Kerrie Meares (Australia) beat Elisabeth Williams (New Zealand) 2 - 0
Final for gold:
Victoria Pendleton (England) beat Anna Meares (Australia) 2 - 1
Speaking to Bristish Cycling she said "I am very very happy. I didn't think I was going to get it to be honest. I think after the second ride I thought I'd messed it up but it was so close that ride, I was surprised to have pulled it back. She's [Anna Meares] very good tactically and physically so I kind of expected it. I found out the hard way in the Commonwealth Games of 2002. This is my main event and because it's an Olympic event it was my main focus. The sprint is a gamble, it's always very close so I feel great about the win. It was tough but you just have to block it out and focus."
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