Brad Wiggins proudly shows his medal (Image credit: AFP)
By Rob Jones in Beijing
Great Britain's Bradley Wiggins and Steven Burke went one-three in the men's 4000m individual pursuit at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
The eight riders who moved on from Friday's qualifying round were pared down to four finalists: Wiggins and countryman Burke, Hayden Roulston (New Zealand) and Alexei Markov (Russia). Wiggins and Roulston continued as the only riders to post sub-4:20 rides, and went on to compete for the gold medal.
First up was the bronze medal ride, and Burke came from behind to overhaul Markov in the final kilometre and claim the podium spot. The gold medal final followed a similar format, with Roulston coming out fast, only to be steadily reeled in by Wiggins.
"It was another brilliant day for Great Britain, we are just on top everywhere. We're just pissing all over everyone, to be frank. It's no surprise, really, we expected to be in this position. In eight years we've become the dominant force right across the board."
Roulston has made great strides in the past year, but still feels that he has room to improve. "Great Britain is getting these results now because they've been building since before Athens. New Zealand has just started in the last year. I came to win gold and came away with silver, but I'm definitely happy with it.
"Wiggins is the true champion, he's pure class," said Roulston, "but I'm on the right road. This is just the beginning."
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