Rob Hayles: 'Anna Meares, Jess Varnish evenly matched'

Three-time Olympic medallist cyclist Rob Hayles has insisted that Australia's Anna Meares and Jess Varnish of England are closely matched ahead of their second best-of-three race in the sprint semi-finals.

Meares rode an excellent race in the opener to beat her opponent by half a wheel, but Hayles said that she had to use all of her strength to get ahead.

"We thought they were evenly matched and that was the proof there," Hayles told BBC Sport. "Anna Meares really did have to use every single pedal rev. She seemed to lose her visor as well.

"Jess Varnish did everything she could, but once she was forced to take the lead Meares could take advantage of the banking to overtake her."

Varnish beat compatriot Victoria Williamson in the quarters.