Indurain and Zabirova strike gold
A Spanish cycling colossus and a little-known Russian struck gold in the inaugural Olympic time trials on Saturday.

While Miguel Indurain added the Olympic gold to his world title to underline his time trial talent, 22-year-old Zulfia Zabirova surprised everyone--including herself--in the women's event.

She beat the queen of cycling, Jeannie Longo of France, whose credentials included the Olympic road race gold and 10 world titles.

"It is just beginning for me. I feel wonderful," said Zabirova.

"I cannot believe that I have won. I thought maybe second or third. I was nervous waiting for the others to finish."

Longo, 37, was still satisfied with her performances at the Games, particularly her road race victory.

Only two months ago she was nursing broken ribs and ignored her doctor's advice not to train for a month.

"That is why I am satisfied with what I have achieved in Atlanta," she said.

"My legs felt heavy and with the heat it was difficult, especially when I realized that there was only three seconds between me and Zabirova. Then I knew that it would be hard to win."

Longo now plans to train for the women's Tour de France starting on August 13, and an attack on the world hour record at altitude in Mexico is being considered.

"It depends on my motivation," she said.

Indurain reminded his rivals that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

The Spanish master of time trials was rocked when he was defeated in his specialty in the Tour de France by German Jan Ullrich.

There has been talk about the unassuming Indurain retiring, but as usual he is saying nothing.

This story written by Reuters correspondents