The Aussie flag-bearer at the opening ceremony claimed her fifth Commonwealth Games gold medal in the time trial to win her third Commonwealth Games title on the roll. 

Her team-mates followed her lead again in the men’s team pursuit as they smashed Bradley Wiggins’ England and ruined his return to the track.

Stephanie Morton, 23, was second to Meares, while the men’s sprint won bronze. As a bonus, New Zealand kept England from sprint gold.

But the day belonged to Meares, who surpassed Kathy Watt to become the most successful Australian Commonwealth Games cyclist. 

Hoy has been a mentor to Meares, who said the Scotland and Great Britain legend texted her before she set a new Games record in 33.435 seconds. 

“He texted me earlier and said ‘be sure to wipe your feet before you come into my nice clean velodrome,” Meares said of Hoy. “I sent one back saying ‘funny man’. He’s a cheeky one, but he’s up there watching and he’s someone that I idolise.”

Now Meares has the women’s sprint to come without her England rival Victoria Pendleton lining up but she took time to reflect on her record today in overtaking Watt. 

“How nice a circle it is to 20 years ago being inspired by her to start riding and equal her representations and pass her with the gold medals tonight,” Meares said.

“I’m sure she’d be very proud.”

Images via Getty