Ulmer stops Bates double

Bates missed out on a second gold at the Games

By John Haughey BBC Sport Online in Manchester

New Zealand's Sarah Ulmer successfully defended her women's 3000m individual pursuit title and denied Australia's Katherine Bates a second gold medal of the games.

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Ulmer cut .04 of a second off the Commonwealth Games record she had set in the first round by producing a time of 3:32.467.

Bates took silver with a time of 3:34.193.

Ulmer was a worthy winner after being the fastest rider during all three parts of the competition.

Australia's Alison Wright edged out England's Emma Davies in the bronze medal race.

Wright clocked 3:40.409 with Davies managing 3:41.019.

Winner Ulmer described her victory as "really special".

The New Zealander said she had been boosted by compatriot Greg Henderson's victory in the men's points race earlier in the evening.

"I had goose bumps after he won - it was awesome," said Ulmer.

"Our cycling team is quite a close unit".

Ulmer also had the honour of carrying New Zealand's flag at the Games opening ceremony but her is not yet finished as she competes in Saturday's road race.