England’s Joanna Rowsell produced a stunning performance in the 3,000 metres individual pursuit as she claimed Commonwealth Games gold to match her winning effort at this year’s World Championship.

Rowsell broke Katie Mactier’s eight-year-old Games record in qualification, overtaking Lauren Ellis on the track and topping the time-sheets with a time of three minutes and 29.038 seconds.

That pitted her against Australian Annette Edmondson — sister of men’s pursuit winner Alex — in the gold medal race and she cruised to victory.

The final margin of victory was a handsome 3.835 seconds as Rowsell relentlessly made ground at almost every split.

Rowsell was ecstatic to triumph in Glasgow.

“I really, really wanted this,” she said.

“With the IP out of the Olympics now, this is the biggest event I can do for the individual pursuit.

“It’s the event I was originally talent-spotted for when I started so it means a lot to me.

“It’s fantastic to win here today. I’m absolutely over the moon.”

“I am really pleased to get a new PB and a Commonwealth record as well is really special.

“Ever since the Olympics I’ve been thinking about this event. Something like this only comes round once every four years and after the Olympics it was the thought of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow that really spurred me on.”