Olympic heartbreak for Jess

BROMSGROVE cycling sensation Jess Varnish’s dreams of Olympic glory were cruelly smashed when she and partner Victoria Pendleton were disqualified from the Women’s team sprint on Thursday (August 2) evening.

The pair missed out on a chance to race for a gold medal when officials Pendleton had over-take half a bike wheel too early at the start of the second lap of the two-lap semi-final against Ukraine.

Devastation at their exit was compounded as the pair’s progress looked perfect in the qualifying round when they crossed the line in a new world record time.

Celebrations were short-lived, though, as the Chinese pair bettered even that time.

But the afternoon - and the expectation of gold - was turned on its head after a technical offence as Pendleton passed her partner for the final sprint had officials poring over the tape.

Jess and Victoria Pendleton, together with Team GB officials, then had an agonising wait as a decision was made and confirmation that the pair were out left the normally pumped-up velodrome absolutely flat.

The devastating blow means the 21-year-old’s Games have come to a premature end while Pendleton has one more chance for gold today (Friday) before she retires from the sport.

Jess’s father Jim, himself a former cycling champion, gave his reaction on Twitter and said: “The cruellest result.”

The former South Bromsgrove High School pupil was too devastated to speak to the media but posted her thoughts on Twitter on Friday (August 3) morning.

"Gave it all I had, it wasn't meant to be....heartbroken. Thank you everyone for all the messages, makes me feel so much better.

"Huge congratulations to the team sprint boys last night! Now come on Victoria Pendleton!," she added.

* We want to hear your messages of support for Jess, e-mail editor@bromsgrovestandard.co.uk, visit us at www.facebook.com or tweet us @BromStandard

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