London 2012 Olympics: Pendleton denied fairytale finish by arch-rival Meares

VICTORIA Pendleton was denied a golden goodbye and a third Olympic title in dramatic fashion as her perennial rival Anna Meares claimed sprint gold at the London 2012 velodrome.

After watching Laura Trott become a double Olympic champion with victory in the omnium, Great Britain team-mate Pendleton met Meares in the best-of-three final in a repeat of the 2008 gold medal race which the Briton won.

The 31-year-old was aiming to finish her career on a high with a third Olympic gold – a record for a British female – and her superior pace saw her cross the line first in the first bout, but she strayed from the sprinting lane under supreme pressure from the physical Meares and commissaires awarded the Australian victory.

Pendleton had to respond in the second bout to force a decider and Meares was in front first, watching her opponent. Meares came to a near halt at the end of the first of three laps, forcing Pendleton to the front.

The Australian rounded Pendleton on the outside and the Briton could not respond as Meares celebrated before the line by punching the air.

It ended hopes of a fairytale conclusion to Pendleton’s sensational career and saw Meares take revenge for Beijing. China’s Guo Shuang won bronze with a 2-0 defeat of Kristina Vogel of Germany.

Meares shed her visor in celebration before joining hands with Pendleton as the 2008 champion and reigning world champion paid tribute to the victor.

On her relegation in the first race, Pendleton added: “I was really annoyed because I’m sure that she touched me and it caused me to move up. I can’t believe, twice in one competition, I’ve been disqualified and relegated, it’s unheard of. It’s a bit of a surprise, it did knock my confidence a bit I must say.”