American Kristin Armstrong won the women's cycling time trial gold medal at the Olympic Games on Wednesday.

Kristin Armstrong, the 2006 world time trial champion who celebrated her 35th birthday on Monday, has kept the Olympic time trial in her sights since 2005.

In Beijing's August sweltering heat, the American demonstrated his sprinting ability from the beginning and dashed out in the last 3km to clock a winning time of 34:51.72 for the title.

Emma Pooley of Britain took the silver in 35.16, while the bronze went to Karin Thurig of Switzerland in 35.50 seconds.

Nicole Cooke, who won the road race last week, only finished 15th in 37.14 seconds.

Chinese cyclist Gao Min got the 17th place in 37.15, while her teammate Meng Lang placed 25th in 40.51.

The women's time trial road, which features a climb and a descent just beneath the Great Wall, begins with the gradual 12.5km climb up Badaling Pass.

Twenty-five cyclists from sixteen countries and regions competed in the 23.5km race.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2008)