Magnificent Cooke storms to Britain's first gold medal at Olympic Games

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The 25-year-old was in a group of five that pulled away from the peloton in the 6km uphill climb to the finish.

She seemed to fall away from the other riders in the leading pack as the race headed towards its conclusion, but fought back superbly.

Nicole Cooke outsprints Italy's Tatiana Guderzo and Sweden's Emma Johanson to win Britain's first gold of the Beijing Olympics

Cooke, who finished fifth in the Athens Games, then won a sprint to the line before hoisting her arms in the air in delight.

The Swansea-born rider finished the gruelling course in a time of 3 minutes,
32.24 seconds, beating Sweden's Emma Johansson and Italy's Tatiana Guderza into
the minor medal positions.

Fellow Briton Emma Pooley, who played a crucial pacemaking role in helping Cooke achieve her golden glory, finished back in 23rd place, 30 seconds behind Cooke.

The third member of the British team Sharon Laws, who also spent a large proportion of the race at the front of the peloton, finished in 35th place.

Nicole Cooke receives her gold medal

'We did it, it was perfect. It's a dream come true, said a jubilant Cooke.

'I want to thank all the people who have been there from the start. I have worked so hard, I am so happy.'

Simon Clegg, Team GB's chef de mission, said: 'Nicole Cooke has just secured Team GB's first medal - and what a medal. It's not only gold but it's Team GB's 200th gold medal from the modern Olympic Games.

'Emma and Sharon did an awesome job in supporting Nicole in her race for gold,' he added.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: 'This is a great start to the Beijing Olympics for Team GB and I have no doubt this medal will fire up the rest of the team to do their best in the next two weeks.

'Well done to Nicole Cooke - she has set us on our way.'