British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford in tribute to Victoria Pendleton

Dave Brailsford says London has presented new challenges (Getty Images)

British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford paid tribute to Victoria Pendleton ahead of her Olympics swansong in the velodrome tonight.

Pendleton bids to sign off with a second gold medal of London 2012 in the women's sprint that would make her Britain's most successful female Olympian with three gold medals.

Sir Chris Hoy also goes for gold tonight in the men's keirin knowing victory would see him climb above Sir Steve Redgrave as Britain's most successful Olympian with six gold medals.

"We're phenomenally proud of them," Brailsford told BBC Breakfast. "They've been the backbone of British track cycling for a long time.

"This could be the very last competition for Vicky so it's quite a sad day for us in that respect.

"I do think she deserves special mention. She has worked so hard in the last three years to bring herself up to this level of competition."

Brailsford is understandably pleased with Britain's medal haul going into the final day of track cycling competition, with five track golds and one bronze already in the bag.

"It's been great so far. We've three medals available today and we're ready for them. I hope by the end of today we might have three more."

Laura Trott is the third British rider eyeing a gold medal tonight as she completes the omnium, and Brailsford also singled her out for praise.

"Laura is a bundle of energy. She's got this contagious enthusiasm. She's a brilliant bike rider and it would be great if she can finish off the job today."

PA