Villumsen's gold - at last

After so many near misses, Linda Villumsen finally won a major race when she outclassed the strong womens road time trial field in Glasgow today.

Villumsen was a silver medallist in the event four years ago in Delhi and was fourth in the London Olympics. At world championships, she has been second twice in the time trial and third three times, so her gold medal was certainly more than deserved.

Her major opponent today was Englishwoman Emma Pooley, who led for the first 24km of the 29.6km course.

However, in the speed section towards the end, Villumsen had the strength and power to come through. She won in 42min 25.46s. Pooleys time was 42min 31.49s.  Australian Katrin Garfoot was third in 43min 13.91s and another New Zealander, Jaime Nielsen, was a further 16 seconds back.

The third New Zealander in the field, Reta Trotman, was 11th of the 31 starters, in 44min 30.12s.

The field raced in reverse order, so Pooley was the second-last rider, and Villumsen last.

I put my best time up there, Pulley said. I couldnt have done more. I knew how good Linda is. But you record a time like that and hope the one rider behind you doesnt beat it.

Villumsen prefers not to be aware of times while she is riding, so didnt know what time Pooley had recorded, or how she was faring by comparison.

I just want to go out there and do the best time I can. My entire concentration is on that, without worrying about other times, Villumsen said.

The Aucklander, who was born in Denmark, had contemplated retirement early last year.

Then she decided to redouble her efforts at winning a major title.

Ive been so close in the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics, the world champs its so good to finally finish first.

It was a testing, hilly course around Glasgow, and early rain made parts of the road slippery, but nothing deterred Villumsen, who turned on an awesome display of strength, speed and endurance.