Pendleton could make it a hat-trick of medals on Sunday

Pendleton, who won gold in Friday's individual sprint, came third behind Yvonne Hijgenaar and Yonghua Jiang.

"I got everything out that I had today so I'm pretty happy," said Pendleton.

"The littlest thing can throw you out so you just have to give it your all. It looks like a simple event but you're always looking to make it perfection."

Pendleton has the opportunity to win a third medal in Sunday's scratch race.

Britain are guaranteed at least a silver medal in both the women's individual pursuit and the men's team pursuit on Saturday.

Millar left in limbo

Despite the late withdrawal of David Millar, the men's team pursuit squad of Rob Hayles, Paul Manning, Chris Newton and Bryan Steel advanced to the final where they will meet Holland.

The world champion Australian team were off the pace and could only make the bronze final.

Emma Davies earned a place in the women's individual pursuit final but is up against the formidable Katherine Bates in the final - more than four seconds quicker than Davies in qualifying.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth champion Chris Hoy eased into the quarter-finals of the individual sprint after a straightforward win over Holland's Teun Mulder.