Joanna Rowsell aiming for gold at Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Joanna Rowsell is aiming to follow up her world championships success by topping the podium at the Commonwealth Games.

Having overcome a chest infection to win gold in both the team and individual pursuit at the recent Track Cycling World Championships in Cali, Colombia, Joanna has her sights on gold in Glasgow.

Rowsell’s victory in the women’s 3km individual pursuit – her first solo world title – was particularly impressive given she upset defending champion Sarah Hammer.

That success makes her clear favourite for individual pursuit glory at the Commonwealth Games, where she may also compete in the road time trial.

“My two big targets for this year were the world championships and the Commonwealth Games,” Rowsell said. “The box is ticked with the corld championships.

“I had a break after that and now I am just building up my fitness ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

“I think it would be impossible to maintain that form from February all the way until the end of July, so I had a break and I am building up again now.”

Rowsell will take part in the Women’s Tour as part of Wiggle Honda in May as part of the build-up to Glasgow.

The event is Britain’s first UCI-level stage-race for women and comes during an exciting time for the sport, with the Tour de France holding a one-day women’s event on the Champs-Elysees to accompany the final stage.

“Unfortunately it clashes with the Commonwealth Games, but I will be watching it on TV, definitely,” Rowsell said.

“It is a massive step. I think having a stage on the Champs-Elysees on the last stage of the men’s race will be massive because all the media and fans will be there. Hopefully it will be a really exciting race and showcase the sport.”