Cycling: Britain leave rivals baffled as Kenny triumphs

By Julien Pretot

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's rivals were once again left to pick up the crumbs as Jason Kenny brushed aside a baffled Gregory Bauge in the Olympic sprint on Monday to give the host nation their fifth track cycling gold -- and there should be more to come.

The host nation have now won five of seven titles and look firmly on track to add three more on Tuesday after Laura Trott surged ahead in the women's omnium after three of six events.

British cycling's poster girl Victoria Pendleton advanced unchallenged into the individual sprint semi-finals en route to a likely final showdown with arch rival Anna Meares of Australia.

Given her sheer speed, just like the baby-faced Kenny, she is now the overwhelming favorite.

With Chris Hoy also fancied in the keirin event, Britain are on course to win eight titles out of 10 events and to better the tally of seven they set in Beijing.

The French triple world champion Bauge, who was the overwhelming favorite for the individual sprint coming into the Games, was comprehensively beaten by Kenny 2-0 in a much-anticipated final.

Unable to match the Briton's pure speed, Bauge was lost for words after France grabbed their third silver medal on the track after finishing second in the team sprint and the men's omnium.

"They raised their level just like they know (how to). I see what's happening. I was laughing on the podium. It's the same song we've been hearing for three days. It starts to...," Bauge said wistfully tailing off.