Team GB dominate at the European cycling championships

Wednesday, 26 October 2011 14:46

Written by Editor

Great Britain enjoyed a dominant final day at the European Track Championships as Laura Trott, Ed Clancy, Victoria Pendleton and Matt Crampton all claimed gold in Apeldoorn, Holland. Having taken a hat-trick of first places on day one, the women’s team sprint, women’s team pursuit and men’s team pursuit. British cyclists ended the event with seven gold medals, providing a timely boost for the host nation's qualification points tally for London 2012 Olympics.  Pendleton, who put in a disappointing performance in Sunday's women's sprint, was much improved in the keirin, winning each of her heats and taking the final by a bike length.
It was Pendleton's second gold medal of the weekend, having been part of the team sprint with Jess Varnish on Friday. Crampton was next to triumph, taking a dramatic win in the men's keirin.  He made a push for first with 500 metres remaining and coolly stayed in front of the pack in a measured last lap.

Trott and Clancy then secured twin victories in the omnium, the six-discipline event that will make its debut at next year's Olympics.  Trott moved from third at the start of the day to top of the podium in the women's event after winning both the individual pursuit and the 500m time-trial.
Clancy rounded off a golden day for the team, surging to the men's title by winning the kilo.