Pendleton wins silver in Olympic sprint

In a controversial final the Stotfold cyclist was beaten into second place by her arch rival Australian Anna Meares.

In the first race of a best of three final, Pendleton crossed the finish line 1,000th of a second ahead of Meares.

However, as the cyclists rounded the final bend Pendleton strayed out of the sprinter’s line after it appeared Meares had barged her. The result was reversed and awarded to Meares.

In the second race the Australian crossed the line first to win 2-0 and take the top medal.

The 31-year-old British cycling queen was in tears following the defeat in the velodrome.

Earlier she beat Kristina Vogel of Germany in the semi-final to set up the clash.

On Friday Victoria had celebrated on the podium after winning the gold in the women’s kierin.

Thursday evening’s team sprint had ended in despair after Victoria and her partner were disqualified when well placed to land a medal.

It brings the curtain down on Pendleton’s cycling career - with gold medals in both the London and Beijing Olympics, and finally a silver.