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Pendleton stokes Meares rivalry

Anna Meares has had the upper hand on Victoria Pendleton in recent times © PA Photos

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Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton has escalated her rivalry with Anna Meares, claiming the Australian is a cyclist who "likes to push the rules".

Pendleton, considered a strong medal prospect in the Velodrome at London 2012 later this year, has duelled with Meares for much of her career; although the pair have barely spoken since the Australian cut her off at a race in Bordeaux more than five years ago.

The 31-year-old has now added further fuel to their ongoing fire, suggesting Meares is prepared to go to the edge of what most observers would consider reasonably sporting conduct in the pursuit of victory.

"Anna and I are very different riders - she's someone who kind of likes to push the rules and I definitely don't," Pendleton said. "But there's nothing wrong with that. It's just slightly different styles and how we approach the same event.

"I was really annoyed when she cut me off in the keirin in 2006 because they don't re-start keirins and your chance is gone.

"That really shocked me because she apologised for doing it afterwards, saying 'I'm sorry I hooked you, I didn't mean it to be dangerous' and I was like 'Well, okay then, I wouldn't do it, you might do it'."

Pendleton conceded, however, that the pair's mutual distaste might be a product of the fact both women are competing to be the best in the same arena.

"If you get two people in the same room like that, there's bound to be a bit of [conflict]," she said. "I've heard her make some comments about how she dislikes me and I dislike her - I'm not entirely sure where it's come from because we used to be quite good pals.

"I remember going out with her for a few beers actually in Stuttgart after the world championships in 2003.

"I don't think she'd want to have one with me (now), which is sad. At the end of the day, this isn't war, this is sport."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.