Women's team sprint soar to gold in new world record time

Cycling Track 05 Aug 24

Emma Finucane, Sophie Capewell and Katy Marchant stormed to Team GB's first gold medal in the velodrome in a new world record time.

The women's sprint team took down silver medallists New Zealand in a new world best time of 45.186 to put British women's track sprinting back on the map.

The trio executed every race at the French National Velodrome, breaking the world record every time they stepped out and putting together the performance of a lifetime when it mattered.

It is Team GB's first ever women's team sprint medal, after the event was introduced at London 2012.

"I've no words, this is a dream come true and we are over the moon," said Marchant.

"We have worked so incredibly hard towards this. There aren't two people I would rather get on the start line with."

Marchant, who gave birth to son Arthur between Tokyo 2020 and her third Games at Paris 2024, led off on the opening lap in a characteristic composed showcase before Capewell took over.

Capewell's father Nigel was a Paralympic cyclist for Great Britain at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 but sadly passed away in 2022 and she paid tribute to his influence after winning gold.

"The journey to get here for everyone has been up and down," she said.

"I've had my own personal battles, I wish my dad was up in the stands watching it but I know he's super proud of me. As you can tell it's very emotional.

"It's been such a long project. We sat down as a team and were like this is something we need to work on, we want to qualify for the Games and we haven't just qualified we've won the whole thing."

Last up was the reigning individual sprint world champion Finucane.

The 21-year-old leapt off the back of Capewell's wheel and produced a dominant performance to keep Team GB in front and rocket to a historic gold medal.

"I am honestly so proud," she said.

"We nailed that ride. I believed in us that we could do it but to actually execute it and celebrate.

"I have never celebrated like that in my life. These two are so special and we have worked so hard with everyone back home.

"I just want to say a huge thank you, the support has been unreal."

Sportsbeat 2024

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