ED Clancy’s first coach told the Huddersfield Examiner last night he was proud of the gold medal-winning cyclist.
Peter Root worked with the future Olympic star after he joined the Holme Valley Wheelers as a 13-year-old.
"I thought it was a fantastic race and it was astounding that they got the world record," he said.
Mr Root added he wasn’t concerned when the Australians closed the gap on Great Britain’s cyclists towards the middle of the race.
"They were never going to catch up," he said.
Mr Root said he could always see the potential in the young Ed Clancy.
"I was a qualified coach at Holme Valley Wheelers and I did some work with him," he said.
Click below to see our Ed Clancy Olympic gallery
"He was a very shy and quiet lad but I saw someone who was really, really keen and was driven in what he wanted to do. It was obvious that he was going to stay in cycling.
"I wouldn’t presume to say I made a contribution to his success but I feel very proud of what he’s achieved because he’s a local lad."
Cycling enthusiast Clr Martyn Bolt watched the race with 20 other people in Mirfield last night.
"I thought it was excellent, just pure class and athleticism – and a bit of Yorkshire grit from Ed Clancy," he said.
