Mathilde Gros put a run of disappointing results behind her, to claim victory in the women’s keirin at the UCI Track Nations Cup in Konya, Türkiye.

The French rider, who had hoped for more from a home Olympics, and didn’t get beyond the second round of the world championships, was clearly in bullish form today, winning her first round heat, and leading her semi final from the gun until the final few metres, to secure a comfortable qualification.

And she was similarly decisive in the final, taking charge of the race as they entered the final lap.

Clara Schneider had claimed the front as the pacer exited, but Yuan Liying had the same idea, and led the field through its second lap. Gros’s charge came as the bell rang: she passed the Chinese leader with Veronika Jaborníková jumping into her slipstream, and Mina Sato following close behind.

A late wobble from Yuan on the inside forced both Schneider and Alina Lysenko up the track and out of contention, but the medals had already gone.

Gros’s bravery was rewarded with gold, with Jabornikova never looking likely to get past her, and Sato arriving just too late.

In the 7th-12th minor final, featuring several riders who might have expected to contest the medals, it was Lauriane Genest who moved to the front at the bell, trapping Lea Sophie Friedrich on the inside.

But the Canadian swung upwards into the final corner, leaving the way open for the German to come up the inside for the win. Steffie van der Peet took second, coming out of Genest’s wake at just the right moment.