Pendleton takes gold in Apeldoorn

FORMER Mildenhall Cycle Club member Victoria Pendleton was among the gold medallists for Great Britain on the final day of the European Track Championships in Apeldoorn.

After taking three gold medals on day one, Team GB completed the tournament with seven golds, providing a timely boost for the host nation’s qualification points tally for London 2012.

Laura Trott, Ed Clancy and Matt Crampton all claimed first places along with Pendleton who, after a disappointing performance in yesterday’s women’s sprint, was much improved in the keirin, winning each of her heats and taking the final by a bike length.

It was Pendleton’s second gold of the weekend, having been part of the team sprint on Friday.

Crampton took a dramatic win in the men’s keirin before Trott and Clancy secured twin victories in the omnium.

Sir Chris Hoy had dealt Team GB’s hopes a blow when he was forced to withdraw from the championships with a chest infection.