Track World Championships: GB’s Emma Finucane powers to gold to defend world sprint title

Defending champion Emma Finucane produced a superb display in the women’s individual sprint to claim her second gold at the Track World Championships.

It caps a remarkable year for the 21-year-old sprinter, who was part of the trio that dominated the women’s team sprint and also became the first British woman to win three cycling medals in the same Olympics in Paris in August.

Finucane proved too strong for Dutch rider Hetty van de Wouw, while Japan’s Mina Sato beat Sophie Capewell to take the bronze.

“It’s really hard trying to defend a title and deal with pressure and expectation but I am really proud of the person I have become doing that,” said Finucane, who won her first sprint title in Glasgow last year.

“I really wanted it. Nothing is easy. To come away on top is insane, it is an amazing feeling. In my head I wanted to go to war.

“That is the kind of head space you have to get into sprinting. I’m not a naturally aggressive person but out on the track I am different.”

Finucane’s triumph came as Britain collected five medals on a successful Friday evening in Ballerup.

Josh Charlton and Jess Roberts took silvers in the men’s individual pursuit and women’s omnium, while Dan Bigham and Joe Truman claimed bronze medals.