• Track Cycling World Championships

Great Britain's Rowsell wins second gold in Colombia

Joanna Rowsell had been ill before the event © Getty Images

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Great Britain's Joanna Rowsell won her second gold medal at the Track Cycling World Championships after victory in the individual pursuit over defending champion Sarah Hammer.

Rowsell, who won gold in the women's team pursuit, clinched the win by 1.2seconds with a time of three minutes and 30.318seconds over the five-time champion.

"I can't believe I went that quick," Rowsell said after the triumph. "This has been a goal for a while. It means the world to me.

Rowsell also revealed the unexpected rest she had because of illness proved to be a major help in her win.

"I was ill with a chest infection two weeks ago so I missed three team training sessions, which in hindsight perhaps did me good - gave me a bit more rest. I wasn't bed-bound, but I couldn't train," she said.

Meanwhile, Jess Varnish got the better of fellow Briton Becky James to reach the semi-finals of the women's individual sprint, winning her last-eight encounter 2-0. Defending champion James was left angry at her own tactic selection but insisted there were no hard feelings towards her team-mate.

"I've no idea why we decided to go for those tactics," James said. "It's upsetting because I wanted to defend my world title, especially after qualifying second. My legs felt great today.

"We're really good friends off the track and worst enemies on the track. That's how sport is. We've both been practising track standing and slow riding together in Manchester. When I felt her hit my back wheel and I just saw her tumble we both had a bit of a giggle."

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