Even Anna Meares has her limits.
The Australian had enough fuel in the tank to humble British track cycling superstar Victoria Pendleton in front of her home crowd in their sprint semi-final at the London Olympic test event on Saturday night.
However Chinese speedster Guo Shuang delivered a convincing 2-0 victory over reigning world champion Meares in the gold medal race.
The result at the World Cup event saw Meares collect her second silver medal of the competition following her second-placing in the women’s team sprint.
The 2004 Olympic gold medallist was satisfied with her performances taking into account the quick turnaround after her sapping 2-1 semi-final win over her Beijing Olympic final conqueror Pendleton.
“I was very proud of myself with how I held out Vicky,” Meares said after gingerly walking over to reporters.
“I don’t think I have seen in the history of women’s sprinting three matches go that quick.
“Unfortunately both of us paid for it in the medal matches.”
Just as Meares lacked zip against Beijing bronze medallist Guo in the final, a flagging Pendleton was bounced out by Hong Kong’s Lee Wai Sze in the bronze medal race.
The Australian was back on the track for the final only six minutes after her semi-final with Guo enjoying a larger break after knocking off Lee 2-0 in their semi-final.
Meares said it was ideal preparation for the Olympics, starting July 27.
“I had to (go for it),” she said.
“That is the name of the game. I could draw the toughest girl in the field and I had to do it tonight and I am very proud of how I handled myself emotionally, physically, mentally.
“That is what I wanted. That is what I am here to experience.”
Meares showed her tactical nous in the decisive race against Pendleton, ducking below the Beijing Olympic champion with 210m to go.
By the time Pendleton reacted, Meares had opened up a gap that never looked like being threatened.
“If you see an opportunity you have to take it and I am not sure if she saw me late,” Meares said.
“I had to commit. I was on an angle that was quite precarious.
“I did have the right of lanes, I was very proud I did not hesitate on that one and made the move.”
In other events, Scotland’s Chris Hoy delighted the locals by storming home to win the keirin.
Australian teenager Amy Cure collected bronze in the non-Olympic women’s individual pursuit with Britain’s Joanna Rowsell winning gold in the event.