Emma Pooley hoping to better Beijing (From Your Local Guardian)

Emma Pooley hoping to better Beijing Olympics

11:22am Wednesday 1st August 2012 in Sport By Mark Chandler

WANDSWORTH’S Emma Pooley is competing in the women’s cycling time trials today, hoping to go one better than the silver medal she won at the Beijing Olympics.

Although the course doesn’t suit the 29-year-old’s strengths, she said: “I’ll do my best and I’m quite happy with how I have been training. If I have given it everything I can’t really complain about my performance.”

The women’s event covers 29 kilometres, and many spectators will also be keeping a firm eye on Lizzie Armitstead, who won silver in the Olympic road race on Sunday.

But a time trial victory for Armitstead may be a medal too far for the Yorkshirewoman, who said: “I’m looking forward to riding an event without any pressure.

“Time trials aren’t really my forte but it is something I will probably look to work on in the future. It will be good to make Emma feel like she can win the gold.”

Competition in the race, which starts at 12.30pm, could come from several sources.

Judith Arndt is the undoubted favourite as the World Champion, while New Zealand’s Linda Villumsen took bronze in the worlds in 2010 and silver in 2011.