Cycling: Pursuit team wins gold, but Hoy is foiled

GREAT Britain’s male and female team pursuit cyclists won gold medals last night as track cycling’s European Championships began in the Netherlands.

Both retained titles they won at 2010’s inaugural event, and there was also gold for Victoria Pendleton and Jess Varnish in the women’s team sprint.

However, there was big disappointment for the men’s team sprinters, including Sir Chris Hoy, when they finished fifth after start-trouble in qualifying.

Jason Kenny’s wheel slipped as the team began their run. A piece of timing tape on the track beneath the wheel was later cited by the British team as one possible cause. “[It’s a] frustrating start to the championships,” said Hoy, who competes in the individual sprint today.

The men’s team pursuit racers, Ed Clancy, Pete Kennaugh, Steven Burke and Andrew Tennant, saw off Denmark for the title, while Laura Trott, Dani King and Joanna Rowsell beat Germany.