Olympic champion Armstrong captures second world time-trial title

AMERICA'S Kristin Armstrong produced a stunning ride to romp to women's time-trial gold at the Road World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

But there was disappointment for Great Britain's Olympic silver medallist Emma Pooley, who finished nearly two minutes back in 11th.

Armstrong clocked 35:26.09 minutes to add the world title to the Olympic gold she won in Beijing and take the rainbow jersey for the second time, having previously won in 2006.

The 36-year-old was impressive throughout and posted an average speed of 45.4 kmph to finish 55 seconds ahead of Italy's Noemi Cantele, with Denmark's Linda Melanie Villumsen completing the podium.

"It doesn't matter what year or how many times you become world champion, it's still the best feeling in the world," said Armstrong.

"I just wanted to focus on going as hard as I could and put in a flawless ride.

"Last year I finished fifth at the World Championships - after winning Olympic gold it was difficult to motivate myself.

"But I wanted to come back and have prepared all year for this."

Armstrong will also contest Saturday's 124.2km road race, where Pooley will feature in Great Britain's seven-strong team led by Olympic gold medallist Nicole Cooke.