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Cycling - 30. March 2008.

Reed wins world keirin title in Manchester

Manchester, Great Britain (March 30, 2008)—Jennie Reed (Kirkland, Wash.) gave the United States its first world title in the women’s keirin on Sunday to close out the 2008 UCI Track Cycling World Championships. After winning the bronze medal in the sprint on Saturday, Reed gave the U.S. its third medal of the weekend when she sprinted to victory against her five challengers in the keirin final.

cyclingJenniereed3web.jpg
photo US Cycling




After winning her opening round heat and placing second in round two, Reed advanced to an all-star final which included two-time world champion Clara Sanchez (FRA), 2006 world champion Christin Muche (GER), defending world champion and Saturday’s sprint winner Victoria Pendleton (GBR), Simona Krupeckaite (LTU) and Anna Blyth (AUS). On the final lap, Reed managed to advance from her mid-pack position late in the race and surged past Pendleton shortly before the finish line to claim the non-Olympic discipline’s highest honor.


“I’m so happy, I’ve been waiting for this title for so many years,” said Reed after her victory. “This is my first world championship of my career and I got a sprint medal too, so I’m elated.”


Following a dominant performance in the sprint, Pendleton entered the keirin as arguably the rider to beat, but Reed’s success in the keirin – which included three world cup medals this season – suggested she was a serious contender for the rainbow jersey.


“To come around Vicki was really exciting,” explained Reed of her winning move. “She’s always good and she’s always so strong, but in the keirin I know my tactics are usually pretty good. I told myself just to attack and when I decided to go I knew it had to be a full effort.”


Reed’s performance on Sunday netted her second career world championship keirin medal. In 2004, she claimed the bronze medal in Melbourne, Australia.
With the 2007-08 international track cycling season now complete, Reed will set her sights on preparing for the Beijing Games where she will likely compete in the sprint.


“I love the keirin, but I’m pretty happy with where I’m at in the sprint right now,” continued Reed. “My form has improved, so I’m excited.”


The U.S. closed the world championships with a total of three medals – two of which were contributed by Reed and one from Sarah Hammer (Temecula, Calif.), who won the silver in the women’s individual pursuit.


“Overall this was a good world championships for us,” explained USA Cycling Director of Athletics Pat McDonough. “Our goal was to win three medals and improve upon last year’s performance and we did just that. Even more important, our athletes have shown they’re capable of medal-winning performances in Beijing. We’ve got a lot more to do over the course of the next four months, but we’re leaving here very excited in the position we’re in compared to four years ago.”



In the only other event to feature an American on Sunday, Becky Quinn (Quakertown, Pa.) placed fifth in the women’s 10-kilometer scratch race. A late-race attack by Dutchwoman Elenora Van Dijk sealed the victory while Yumari Gonzalez (CUB) and Belinda Goss (AUS) rounded out the podium with strong finishing sprints.
With three medals, the U.S. leaves the 2008 world championships ranked fifth in the overall medal count.


2008 UCI Track Cycling World Championships
Manchester, Great Britain
March 26-30
Day Five Results:


Women’s Keirin
1. Jennie Reed (Kirkland, Wash.)
2. Victoria Pendleton (GBR)
3. Christin Muche (GER)


Women’s Scratch Race
1. Elenora Van Dijk (NED)
2. Yumari Gonzalez (CUB)
3. Belinda Goss (AUS)
5. Becky Quinn (Quakertown, Pa.)


About USA Cycling
Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 60,000 members and 2,500 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information, visit www.usacycling.org or contact USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.




This Article Published 2008-03-30 12:16:31 For more information contact: [email protected]
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