OLYMPIC hopeful Becky James was back in Abergavenny on Tuesday to celebrate the “most emotional win” of her career with family and friends.

The cycling speedster said it was both “unbelievable” and “surreal” to win a bronze medal in the Keirin on her return to the Track World Championships in London.

Following a two years force of absence from cycling due to knee and shoulder injuries, as well as enduring a cancer scare, the 24-year-old only returned to racing for the Great Britain squad in November.

James had to battle through to the semi-finals of the keirin through the repechage after finishing third in her first round heat. She then claimed third place in her semi-final to qualify for the final, before fighting back from sixth place on the last lap, to bag the bronze.

And to add another medal to her growing trophy cabinet so soon, is a definite boost for the cyclist who won two sprint world titles in 2013.

In front of a roaring home crowd, including friends and family, the Monmouthshire sprinter delivered a gutsy ride and thundered to a podium finish.

James explained, “It’s just absolutely amazing I can’t believe it. It’s been quite a surreal day. In the first round I got third, it was a really hard ride, my legs were absolutely screaming. And then repechage, I kind of went in with an open mind and didn’t really think much tactically. Jan [van Eijden] my coach just said to me, ‘Just go in and race’, and that’s what I did.

“To get top three in the semis was just not what I expected, and then to get a bronze medal is just unbelievable. I just can’t get my head around it.

“I would say it’s definitely the most emotional win of my career to date.”

Becky’s sister and fellow cyclist Rachel James also tweeted her delight, “To say I’m proud of Becky is a huge understatement! To come back an win a medal after such a hard couple of years! No one deserves it more.”

Established sprinters Kristina Vogel (Germany) and Anna Meares (Australia) finished ahead of James, who put in a performance that she believes is the best since her injury, but by no means the pinnacle of what she is capable of achieving.

The surprise medal has now spurred James on and boosted her confidence when it comes to making the grade for the all important Rio Olympics.

James said, “I’m going in the right direction. Each week I’ve just seen improvements, week in week out.

“I’m not looking any further than Rio right now and if I’m fortunate enough to get picked this June then Olympic Gold is definitely the goal.”

James who started cycling at the age of 11 and cites Sir Chris Hoy as her sporting inspiration, has cycled all over the world but leafy Monmouthshire and pretty Powys is still her number one destination when it comes to getting on her bike and riding forth

“I grew up cycling in this area and obviously love the scenery. It’s still my most favorite place to ride. Especially out towards the Brecon Beacons.

“Although I love living in Manchester, the landscape is a lot different, and I really miss this part of Wales.”

James is also a firm believer that it’s really important for the area to continue to hold events like the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling and the Velothon, because although cycling events on this scale may cause some disruption and be open to criticism, overall, “They really are such a positive thing for the area and we should embrace them.”

Becky, who insists if she wasn’t cycling would be a baker, and whose specialty cake is Walnut and Carrot, has to be very careful about what she eats as a top athlete, but often speculates that when she retires from the sport she’d like to open her own cake and coffee shop.

The world champ explained, “It’s something that may be a distinct possibility one day, because everyone loves cake, and cycling and coffee are natural bedfellows.”

Turning her attention to he boyfriend, Welsh winger George North’s role in the big showdown between Wales versus England this weekend, Becky told the Chronicle, “George is actually a really good mountain biker, but obviously he’s a better rugby player. I’ll be be there on Saturday to cheer him on, and although I not going to predict a result, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the boys in red.”

And to the team that loses, as well as all you aspiring cycling world champions out there, Becky has some wise words of advice, “To enjoy what you’re doing is the most important thing. Winning is just a very nice bonus.”

Becky’s Abergavenny dentist Dr Nigel Jones (www.nigeljonesimplants.co.uk) was just one of the many people who met up up with the cyclist on Tuesday to congratulate his famous client on her success in battling against the odds and bagging bronze.

Dr Jones said, “Tooth pain can disrupt sleep, the effectiveness of training and inflammation of the gums can affect the rest of the body, impairing performance for elite athletes like Becky. That’s why we ensure we provide Becky with the best dental care and support, working closely with her team.

“We are so proud of Becky wining bronze at the world track championships. We all know what she’s been through and how hard she works. It was absolutely amazing to see her make the podium.”