British Wiggins wins men's individual pursuit at Athens Olympics

New Olympic record holder British cyclist Bradley Wiggins won the men's individual pursuit at the Athens Olympics with a time of 4:16.304 after beating his strong rival Brad McGee of Australia, who clocked 4:20.436.

Gold medallist Briton Bradley Wiggins celebrates after the men's individual pursuit finals at the Athens velodrome during the cycling track competition at the 2004 Olympic Games, 21 August 2004.

In the bronze-medal dispute, Spaniard Sergi Escobar finished in 4:17.947, ahead of Rob Hayles of Britain, who covered the 4km course in 4:22.291.

Wiggins set up the new Olympic record of 4:15.165 at the qualifying yesterday, seeing off the previous mark of 4:18.515 set by German Robert Bartko at the Sydney Olympics.

"This medal was in my plans. I was trying for it minute by minute, day by day," said the 24-year-old British rider, who was also winner in the discipline at World Championships in 2003.

"I am enjoying each moment and it is something that I will never forget," he said.

As to the next team pursuit race, in which Britain was third at the Sydney Olympics, Wiggins said he would try as hard as he could to have one more success.

"I have a very good attitude and I will try to help my team for the next race," said Wiggins, for whom the second-placed McGee felt very happy.

"We know each other very well. We rode in the same trade team (la Francaise des Jeux from 2002 to 2003)", said the Australian cyclist.

McGee, aged 28, also said he wanted a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

"I have won three bronze medals, now a silver and I am already working on a gold in Beijing," he said.

"My little girl is here and my parents as well. This makes this day very special," said McGee, who withdrew halfway through stage five of the 2004 Tour de France due to back and hip problems.

The 30-year-old bronze medallist said he was very satisfied with his time.

"My legs were very good, I was very good mentally and psychologically and I won," said Escobar, number one in the 4km individual pursuit at World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, this May.

The Spanish debutant, who was first-placed in the individual pursuit by the World Cup overall ranking this year, said he was happy with his bronze medal.

"I am happy that the result was to win a medal and I will never forget the moment," he said.

Source: Xinhua