After crossing the line, the BMX time Trial world champion was overcome with emotion and thanked the 3,00-strong crowd for support which made the victory one Reade claimed was more thrilling than all her World-titles combined; before adding "see you in 2012."

After three-hour delay caused by the heavy rain which swept across the capital, action finally got underway for the first time on the new, outdoor London track, surrounded what are set to become iconic sporting venues.

Reade qualified third in the time trials the day previous and had to adapt to a new racing format imposed because of the rain delays.


When racing started, there were no motos and no second chances - just four riders through and four riders out.

Reade won her quarter-final and then finished second in her semi-final behind New Zealand's Sarah Walker.

But she came out on top in the final, covering the 430 metre course in 38.275sec, leading from gate to tape with Walker second and Australia's Lauren Reynolds third. 

Reade is hoping next year to make up for the disappointment of her experience in Beijing.

There, she went into the event unbeaten for three years but ended up without even a medal after a crash on the final bend.

"I've won three world titles but this is right up there and it gives me lots of confidence," said Reade.

"There is no better way to prepare for the Olympics than winning here.

"I've never raced such a big event at home and all the support was amazing.

"I can only imagine what it might be like next year with even more spectators."

Colombia's world champion Mariana Pajon did not finish after a heavy fall, one of the several riders who were victims of the wet conditions.

"The track is great and with a few little tweaks it's got a lot of potential," said Reade.

"The rain made it difficult but I tried to stay focussed and not switch off, it just shows how mentally strong you have to be.

''You can't forget all the volunteers and all the track builders, who did a superb job to turn it round.''


New Zealand's Marc Willers (pictured above with Reade) won the men's event.

Willers jumped out to lead at the first corner, was overtaken by Australian Sam Willoughby and Latvia's Olympic gold medallist Maris Strombergs, but fought back to claim the victory ahead of France's Joris Daudet from France and America's Nicholas Long.

"BMX is an exciting sport to watch and today we saw fantastic support from the home crowd, with a Great Britain win from Shanaze Reade really making many people's day," said Debbie Jevans, the London 2012 Director of Sport.

"The athletes loved the fast and challenging course and our volunteers and workforce rose to the occasion over the two days with challenging weather conditions of our own.

"I would like the thank all the spectators who waited through the afternoon while rain delayed competition to cheer on the athletes as they made their way around the course."

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