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A disappointed Emma Pooley thanked the crowds for their support after finishing sixth in the women’s Olympic time-trial on a flat-course that didn’t play to her strengths.
The Team GB rider clocked 38:37.70 on the 29km course as American Kristin Armstrong defended her Olympic title with a dominant display in which she crossed the two checkpoints and ultimately finish line in first. Germany’s Judith Ardnt, current world champion, claimed the silver whilst Russia’s Olga Zabelynskaya a surprise bronze to add to her medal of the same colour from Sunday’s road race.
Pooley, who won silver in Beijing, said she couldn’t give anymore: "You always have to push your hardest and I did. I don't think I could have gone any faster. In time trial you can't affect anyone else. I'm really disappointed but if someone else is faster than you, you can't do anything.
"I was really pleased to help Lizzie in the road race. I just wish we could have gone up Box Hill in the time trial," the 29-year-old said.
Pooley put in a demanding exertion in helping teammate Armitstead in the road race but insisted it had no bearing on her performance.
Teammate Lizzie Armitstead, riding after her silver medal in the road race was Great Britain’s first medal of the Games, finshed 10th in 39.26.24 in a discipline which she is still learning and improving.
“It didn't feel like a lap of honour [after her earlier road race silver], the whole thing was just painful. It is something I need to improve on if I want to compete in it. I'm disappointed for Emma [Pooley] after all the work she put in and helped me in the road race."
