It looks like Russian fans will have a new cycling champion to cheer on at the fast approaching London Olympics after Anastasia Chulkova captured her maiden gold in the points race at the Track Cycling World Championships in Australia.
Chulkova pulled away from Canada's Jasmin Glaesser on the final lap to win the 25-kilometer women's point race with 31 points. Glaesser finished with 28 points, ahead of third-placed Caroline Ryan of Ireland with 24. Chulkova, who brought Russia its first track gold in seven years, is the double national champion, and was second at last year's University Games, also in the points race. She seems to be peaking at the right time with the London Games less than four months away.Meanwhile, Britain's defending champion women's team pursuit squad beat Australia in a dramatic finish to win gold in record-breaking time, with Canada winning bronze ahead of New Zealand.In another final, Stefan Nimke of Germany successfully defended his 1-kilometer time trail title. Michael D'Almeida of France was second, with New Zealand's Simon Van Velthooven finishing third.