British cycling has a new star as James wins second gold medal
BRITAIN’S Becky James won her second gold medal of the track World Championships yesterday, the Welsh cyclist emerging as the star of the tournament with victory in the women’s keirin.
The 21-year-old, who also won two bronze medals, was stunned after storming to her second title in just 48 hours.
“I just need someone to pinch me and tell me if it’s really happening to me,” she said, having also taken gold in the sprint on Saturday. “I feel like it’s a complete dream – apart from the pain in my legs.”
The British team finished top of the table in Minsk with five golds, and nine medals in total.
Olympic star Jason Kenny topped the podium in the men’s keirin, succeeding Sir Chris Hoy as holder of the title. Meanwhile Britain’s women won the team pursuit event and Simon Yates rode to victory in the men’s points race.
Yates, at only 20 years old and competing in his first major tournament, combined with James to demonstrate the considerable potential of the UK’s young cyclists.
Olympic gold medalist Laura Trott was part of the women’s triumphant pursuit team, but had to settle for silver in the omnium, losing her title to Sarah Hammer.
“She beat me by seven places in the points race and overall by four,” Trott said.
“It’s that points race letting me down. I haven’t really sat down and worked out how to ride it. I am definitely going to focus on it now.”
Trott was part of Team GB’s cycling squad that won eight golds at last summer’s Olympic Games.