God has indeed saved the queen, judging by the number of times we heard the British national anthem during the world track championships in Manchester. I don’t know the lyrics, so I kept singing our domestic knockoff, “My country ’tis of thee. . . .” I was dying to hear the American national anthem.

Truly, despite the British dominance, the worlds have been anything but boring. The world record set by the Brits in the team pursuit on Thursday was the high point, as they displayed a remarkably rare perfection. The Madison team of Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish was also absolutely electric, putting down 14-second lap times en route to lapping the field, weaving through traffic and putting it down when they needed to.

Several riders were so obviously on form: Wiggins, Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Rebecca Romero. But unbeatable? One lesson we learned in the very last event was that no one is unbeatable.

At a reception for team representatives, organizers and guests, the mayor of Manchester noted that the nine gold medals won by Britons were proof that their “white elephant,” as the track was first called, was well worth it. And absolutely, it’s been a great championship — well-organized and the track is superb.

Then UCI president Pat McQuaid stood up to thank the organizers, and he continued to rub the Brits’ results in our collective faces (admittedly, it must have been hard not to).

But then Sunday was a new day — and the gold rush finally came to a screeching halt.

The Dutch won two events, the Kiwis one and the United States the finale. Finally, some new music — and even better, the U.S. national anthem.

It was fulfilling to watch Jennie Reed finally find herself in the lead at the finish line, well ahead of pre-race favorite and defending champion Victoria Pendleton. Jennie, at 29, had last won a world-championship medal in 2004. In Manchester, she won two medals and earned the rainbow jersey.

When you see an athlete dig deep and put it all down at the right moment, it's really beautiful. In that moment, Jennie was nothing short of elegant. She said she heard a lot of supportive voices in her head during that final ride, and I watched as coaches from many nations came to congratulate her. On the podium she looked like a small child, a kid in the candy store. Surprise and joy. Wonder. It was all good.

Beijing is a long way off, in time and distance. And while I know the British program is superb, I never underestimate the power of the will and the thrill of the unknown. Stay tuned!

Connie Carpenter