UCI 2012 Track Cycling World Championships -- The revenge of Sir Chris Hoy

CHRIS HOY WINS THE KEIRIN At Apeldoorn, a year ago, he was beaten by the Australian Shane Perkins. To take his revenge, however, he really had to surpass himself on the track of the Hisense Arena in Melbourne. In fact, his chances seemed very poor when -- less than a circuit from the end -- the race was still led by the German rider Maximilian Levy. But as he entered the last curve, Hoy pulled the rabbit out of the hat by finding an opening that allowed him to launch his attack. ANNA MEARES LEAVES WITH 2 GOLD MEDALS Anna Meares was also determined to take her leave from the event with a second exploit, after her win the day before in the Keirin. The Australian rider was therefore not content with just winning the 500 meters, but also established a new world record at that distance in 33’’010. “Someone had told me that I could have come in under 32 seconds, but I’m perfectly happy with this time. I’ve finished these championships in style, and my progress during the event shows that it’s not always easy to hit top form at the beginning of a week of intense competition,“ declared Meares before announcing that she was looking forward to the London games. “Right now, the Olympics are my priority -- for the future, frankly. I don’t know yet. What’s clear is that I’m going to take some time out for myself.“ SECOND TITLE FOR ALISON SHANKS The Women’s Individual Pursuit brought the first victory of the 2012 event for New Zealand, thanks to Alison Shanks, who obtained the second title of her career, three years after her triumph in Pruszkow, beating the British rider Wendy Houvenhagel and the Australian Ashlee Ankudinoff. THE BELGIAN RIDERS WIN THE MADISON The final title awarded in Melbourne went to the Belgian riders Kenny De Ketele and Gijs Van Hoecke, who won the Madison, coming in front of the British and Australian riders. Overall, the 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships have been dominated by Australia and Great Britain, which each won six gold medals. However, beyond the clear superiority of the two teams, the level of the competition has been very high in all the specialties. The high number of world records broken on the circuit of the Hisense Arena is already whetting our appetites for the undoubtedly sumptuous show of track events that awaits us at the Olympic Games.