Chris Hoy won gold for Great Britain in the velodrome on Friday, claiming a thrilling victory in the 1km time trial.
Hoy, the last man to ride, had to sit and watch as the Olympic record was beaten three times in succession before he got his chance for
glory.
But the Scotsman kept his cool in a sweltering Olympic Velodrome in Athens to
break the record himself and keep the kilometre title, won by Jason Queally in
Sydney four years ago, in Britain.
"I was trying to get myself into my own little world," he said.
"I was more nervous than I'd ever been in my whole life. The times were very
fast but I tried not to let that distract me."
The track was known to be fast as it had already yielded a world record in the
women's time trial and an Olympic record for Londoner Bradley Wiggins in the
individual pursuit before the kilo had even started.
And Hoy, who as world champion went out last, was put under pressure as soon
as Shane Kelly broke the record set by Queally at the 2000 Games.
As it was, the Australian left the velodrome with nothing but fourth place as
his mark was beaten by Germany's Stefan Nimke and then by Arnaud Tournant.
Tournant had gone into the Sydney Games as world champion only to be beaten by
a stunning ride from Queally, so he must have known how Hoy felt as he sat by
the side of the track as the record was knocked over repeatedly.
The Edinburgh rider is made of stern stuff, however, and he had prepared for
exactly that situation.
Just to add to the pressure, the clock - which allows the riders just 10
seconds to prepare themselves on their bike - was started early.
But a substantial British presence in the crowd - which announced itself
suddenly when Wiggins was on his way to an Olympic record - roared on their
encouragement.
Hoy responded and was never behind Tournant's mark on each of the four laps.
The winning margin was just a sliver of time - 0.185 seconds - but it was enough
to confirm the 28-year-old as Olympic champion, although he had to blink hard
before believing it himself.
"I was in complete shock when I finished the ride," he said.
"I just looked up at the scoreboard and I saw the time and saw the positions
but it took a few laps for it to sink in. The times were so fast before I got
up.
"The times from Arnaud, Stefan, Shane Kelly and everyone were phenomenal
tonight. I knew I had to concentrate on my own lap and not to think about anyone
else's because it can be very off-putting.
"The crowd were fantastic. Every time I went through a lap, the crowd got
behind me and that pushed me on.
"To win a gold medal for Britain after Jason won it in Sydney was a dream
come true for me."
Track racing being what it is, Hoy must quickly turn his mind to Saturday's
team sprint when he, Craig MacLean, Jamie Staff and Queally will try to improve
on the silver won by Britain in the event last time.
MacLean, a Scot like Hoy, also rode in the kilometre and he was disappointed
with his ride which saw him finish seventh, over two seconds slower than his
compatriot.
The 33-year-old - the fastest lead-off ride in the world - does not believe he
is in his best form but Hoy has every faith him and is hoping he can be a double
medal-winner.
"I think Craig will bounce back," said Hoy. "Jason's in as good form as
he's ever been in his life. I don't think there's any reason why we can't win a
medal."
The track cyclists could hardly have hoped for a better start to the six days
of racing in the Greek capital.
And British cycling's performance director Dave Brailsford looked either
relieved or delighted with his day's work, especially after Nicole Cooke's fifth
place in the women's road race on Sunday.
Cycling receives priority funding from UK Sport and only Australia has sent
more track riders than Britain. Indeed, France and Germany - traditional cycling
hotbeds - have sent fewer.
So it was crucial that the first day went well and, as well as Hoy's gold,
Wiggins is guaranteed a medal after qualifying for the final of the individual
pursuit where he will face old rival Brad McGee of Australia.
Portsmouth rider Rob Hayles could join him on the podium if he beats Spaniard
Sergo Escobar in the bronze medal ride.
In fact, the only Briton not to at least earn a shot at a medal was Victoria
Pendleton who nevertheless set a domestic record in finishing sixth in the
women's time-trial.
However, Pendleton will be back on the track for the individual sprint - her
main event - and was happy to use the day to get the worst of her nerves out of
her system.
"It's what I expected so I'm happy with that," she said. "I'm really happy
the 500 metres was first."
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