Nicole Cooke has won Britain's first gold medal of the Beijing Olympics by winning the Women's cycling road race.
The 25-year-old from Wales timed her finish to perfection, edging ahead of Emma Johansson and Tatiana Guderzo in the sprint to the line.
Cooke was in a group of five that pulled away from the peloton in the 6km uphill climb to the finish.
She clocked a time of three hours, 32 minutes and 24 seconds and is Britain's first Olympic medallist in this event.
"We did it, it was perfect. It's a dream come true," said Cooke.
"I want to thank all the people who have been there from the start. I have worked so hard, I am so happy."
Emma Pooley, who played a crucial pacemaking role in Cooke's gold-medal bid, came 23rd while the third member of the British team Sharon Laws finished in 35th.
"Nicole has just secured Team GB's first medal - and what a medal," said Simon Clegg, Team GB's chef de mission. "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."
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