ABERGAVENNY speedster Becky James has 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 a knee injury, the 24-year-old only returned to racing for the Great Britain squad in November.

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

“It’s just absolutely amazing I can’t believe it. It’s been quite a surreal day. To win in front of the crowd they really got me going. For me to be back at my first Worlds, everything is a bonus after that,” explained James.

In front of a roaring home crowd, including friends and family, James delved a gutsy ride and thundered to a podium finish.

James explained, “[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, didn’t really think much tactically Jan [van Eijden] my coach just said to me this is what you’re good at tactical stuff jus 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.”

Becky’s sister and fellow cyclist Rachel James 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.”