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The final race of Victoria Pendleton's career ended in disappointment as she was beaten in the Olympic sprint final.

Following a string of impressive petrformances throughout the week in the velodrome, including a gold medal in the keirin, Pendleton went in as favourite against long-time rival Anna Meares.

However, she was beaten 2-0 by the Australian and had to settle for the silver medal.

Pendleton actually crossed the line first - by a matter of centimetres - in the opening race of the best-of-three final but was demoted afterwards for deviating from her sprinting line.

Pendleton had to respond in the second bout to force a decider and Meares was in front first, watching her opponent.

Meares came to a near halt at the end of the first of three laps, forcing Pendleton to the front.

The Australian then rounded Pendleton on the outside and the Briton could not respond as Meares celebrated before the line by punching the air.

The British star, who won sprint gold in Beijing four years ago, now heads into retirement.

Pendleton told the BBC: "I'm just so relieved right now.

"I've been a bit overwhelmed with emotion.

"I would have loved to have won on my final race but I'm just so glad that's it all done and I can move on.''

She also paid tribute to Meares, who has been her main adversary throughout her career, and it was perhaps fitting that she bowed out against the Australian.

"I'm glad that it got to that stage,'' Pendleton said. "I think she's the best rider in the field and it's the way that it should have been.

"Everything turned out right with Anna and myself in the final. She's a fantastic competitor, we've met many a time, and I wish her all the best but I'm very glad to be saying that's the last time I have to go through that.''

On her relegation in the first race, she added: "I was really annoyed because I'm sure that she touched me and it caused me to move up.

"I can't believe, twice in one competition, I've been disqualified (in the team sprint) and relegated, it's unheard of. It's a bit of a surprise, it did knock my confidence a bit I must say.''

Meanwhile, China's Guo Shuang won bronze with a 2-0 defeat of Kristina Vogel of Germany.