Manchester’s Golden couple race their way to more medals

It was Kenny’s third triumph in Rio, following his golds in the team sprint and the men’s sprint. He has been honing his scoring pace for the past four years and displayed it in scorching style in the team sprint, the individual sprint and the keirin to draw level with Chris Hoy in the list of all-time British gold medal-winners. Both sprinters have six titles.

The Herts racer said the three and a half year period between London 2012 and the Rio Olympics had been a hard one, when the riders didn’t have the benefit of all the top-class kit and equipment lavished on them.

Trott has twice won the omnium world title, each time in an Olympic year before going on to win Olympic gold as well.

“It’s character, just fantastic”.

The photo was taken back in 2004 when Trott was just 12 years old and Wiggins had won gold in the men’s individual pursuit race in Athens, and has been widely shared on social media in the wake of her success this year.

“I’ve got a bit to do in the next few months: get married and then reflect on it”, he said.

“It seems they do nothing for three years, then they start at the Olympics and kill us”.

“There’s no secret, no magic”, Team GB sprint coach Justin Grace told L’Equipe (link in French).

And sprint silver for Becky James and bronze for Katy Marchant saw Britain finish with 11 medals in all, four of them silver.

Trott’s achievement seals her record as the most successful ever female British Olympian.

Sponsors are sure to be calling the couple’s management company Rocket, which is owned by Sir Elton John, as Kenny admitted he now does not have a single personal deal. “I love racing my bike”.

While Trott was totally dominant in the omnium, Kenny’s keirin victory was controversial.

After the long disruption, both riders aimed to make the most of their reprieves as Eilers led out a powerful sprint, but Kenny powered over the top on the final bend to move through to win his third gold of the Games.

Wiping away tears, Trott’s mother Glenda said: “At the moment, as I stand here, how I’m feeling goes beyond proud”. The false start was called, but once again no riders were disqualified and the race restarted with a full compliment or riders.

Considering how high they’ve soared, they remain remarkably grounded, admitting last night they were simply looking forward to getting home to their two dogs and planning their wedding, scheduled for September.

The champion has said that she wants to wait until her career is finished before starting a family, although they are every bit the devoted couple.

“I don’t really listen to Chris, but he is right worryingly often”, Kenny said.

“I think it was the right decision to put everyone back in”.

“He’s a quiet guy, but he’s surely one of the most talented athletes we’ve produced in any sport, no question”, Dyer said.