Great Britain set world record in Rio women's team pursuit to reach gold final

Great Britain break USA's world record set just a few minutes before to book place in gold medal final against USA

(Image credit: Watson)

Great Britain's team pursuit quartet of Joanna Rowsell-Shand, Laura Trott, Katie Archibald and Elinor Barker set a new world record at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to progress to Saturday's gold medal final against USA.

Prior to GB's first round ride against Canada, the USA team of Sarah Hammer, Kelly Catlin, Chloe Dygert and Jennifer Valente had beaten GB's previous world record set during qualifiers.

The USA's record of 4-12.282 set as they beat Australia was short-lived, barely standing for 10 minutes before GB set a new mark of 4-12.152.

>>> Great Britain's women team pursuiters set new world record in qualifiers

The proximity of the two team's times means that the gold medal will go right down to the wire, with both squads in absolute top form and very evenly matched.

 

USA beat GB's record set in qualifying to go through to the gold medal final vs GB

USA beat GB's record set in qualifying to go through to the gold medal final vs GB
(Image credit: Watson)

New Zealand will face Canada to ride off for the bronze medal. Both events will take place on Saturday.

Jason Kenny and Callum Skinner both won their heats in the men's sprint

Jason Kenny and Callum Skinner both won their heats in the men's sprint
(Image credit: Watson)

Earlier on Saturday, both GB riders Jason Kenny and Callum Skinner won their heats in the men's sprint to go through to the quarter finals.

GB's Becky James also won her heat in the women's keirin to go through to the second round. Like the women's team pursuit, the keirin concludes on Saturday evening.

Result

Rio 2016 Olympic Games, women's team pursuit first round

Heat 1

Italy 4-22.964 beat China 4-23.678

Heat 2

New Zealand 4-17.592 [bronze final] beat Poland [disqualified]

Heat 3

USA 4-12.282 [gold final] beat Australia 4-20.262

Heat 4

Great Britain 4-12.152 [gold final] beat Canada 4-15.636 [bronze final]

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.