OFFICIALS from a cycling club where Victoria Pendleton was coached throughout her childhood years have spoken of their pride after the 25-year-old picked up a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games.

OFFICIALS from a cycling club where Victoria Pendleton was coached throughout her childhood years have spoken of their pride after the 25-year-old picked up a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games.

Richard Carrington, chairman of the Mildenhall Cycling Club, said last night members viewed the medal winner as a great role model after she placed second in the 500m time trial in Melbourne yesterday.

The rider, who crossed the finishing line in a time of 34.662 seconds in the two-lap final, learnt her trade at the Suffolk club - and still visits the county regularly to take part in rallies.

“Victoria's father Max has been a club member for many, many years and she came through the ranks,” said Carrington. “Her heart is very much with the club.

“We think the medal is quite outstanding really. I think it was fairly clear she would get a medal of some kind and she has done very well.

“We are all very proud of her, and she keeps going from strength to strength. She is a great ambassador for the club.

“She is now in the fortunate position of winning lottery funding, and can train all over the world. What better role model could you have? Proud is the best word to describe how we feel.”

Victoria separated Australian sisters Anna and Kerrie Meares, who finished in gold and bronze medal positions in the final - and officials from the Mildenhall club hope she will soon return to the county to show off her prize.

“Each August, we hold a cycling rally here and Victoria has been coming along since she was knee-high to a grasshopper,” added Carrington. “Her family now live in Hertfordshire, but they regularly come over to the club to support us, as Max has a central role in the organisation.

“She has done really well and tries to get back to Mildenhall as often as she can.”

Britain also enjoyed a clean sweep of medals in the men's individual pursuit as Paul Manning took gold, Rob Hayles silver and Stephen Cummings bronze.

In the men's kilometre time-trial Jason Queally won silver ahead of defending champion Chris Hoy of Scotland, who had to accept bronze. Australian Ben Kersten took the gold.