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In the lead up to the worlds Meares said she was coming to win the sprint and she fulfilled that promise by comprehensively demolishing the competition.
In the gold medal final she beat 500m world record holder Simona Krupeckaite of Lithuania in two straight races but to reach the final she had to first overcome five time world and 2008 Olympic Games sprint champion, Victoria Pendleton from Great Britain.
“I looked at that race as if it was my final,” said Meares. “I tried to bring out everything possible to beat her (Pendleton). “We have a big rivalry, but I admire her for the rider that she is.”
But it was a case of intimidation not admiration when Meares and Pendleton lined up in the third and deciding semi final race. Meares drew the front position but on the the first lap forced Pendleton to lead through before riding underneath and crowding the Brit up the banking to the fence.
“I like that tactic and I don’t get to play it too much these days. A lot of people are very wary of my right hand side at the fence and I was surprised I got the opportunity to put Vicky there, she doesn’t often allow that to happen,” said Meares. “I took the chance, I took the risk and it paid off.”
But Meares says today’s win is just the beginning and with London looming the hard work continues. “Victoria has had a stranglehold on this event for six years, and I think that makes her one of the greatest sprinters of all time,” said Meares.”We’re only 15 months out from the Olympic Games, and there’s no way I’m discounting her. Because she’s such a good rider I look forward to the rivalry and the battle.
“I think it’s going to make us bring the best out of ourselves.”
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Anna Meares quotes on winning the sprint gold at the 2011 Track World Championships
