Conor Leahy claims second bronze of the Games with individual pursuit success

WAIS cycling graduate Conor Leahy has tasted further success on his Commonwealth Games debut, claiming bronze in the individual pursuit in Birmingham.

Part of the bronze medal winning team pursuit team from Friday, Leahy had a quick turnaround in his quest for a second medal.

The Australian Record holder went in to the individual pursuit as one of the favourites, having twice broken the 11-year-old record at the National Championships earlier this year.

After finishing third in qualifying he faced Charlie Tanfield (England) in the bronze medal ride. Aware of Leahy’s talent, the Englishman went out fast hoping to put the pressure on Leahy.

Down by half a second after the first kilometre, Leahy stuck to his plan and made his way in to the lead after 1500m and never looked back as raced away to take bronze in 4mins 9.311secs.

“I felt really good today,” Leahy told Channel 7 after the race.

“In the morning I just went out a bit too hot today unfortunately, but its all learning and still got a medal out of it.

“Just tried to apply what I learnt from this mornings ride to this arvo. The time was a little bit slower but the ride was a lot cleaner so happy about that.”

The 23-year-old is already looking ahead and applying the learnings from his first major championships for the future.

“Never underestimate anyone, I think is a good one. You come in with like preconceived notions of where you are and where other people might be and then some people are going really good and some people maybe not as good as you thought so just focusing on what you do and your preparation is the biggest learning I’ve taken.

Matt Richardson came close to a second medal, finishing fourth in the keirin.