GB crowned World Cup team pursuit champions after Cali bronze

Great Britain’s track cyclists finished second overall in the UCI World Cup series but left Cali, Colombia, with only one medal this weekend.

The men’s team pursuit squad continued its good form, despite a complete change in personnel from the London leg, with Germain Burton, Matt Gibson, Chris Latham and Mark Stewart claiming bronze behind Australia and Russia.

The medal saw Britain crowned World Cup team pursuit champions thanks to Mark Christian, Steven Burke, Andy Tennant and Owain Doull’s gold at the Lee Valley VeloPark; finishing 30 points ahead of nearest rivals Australia.

With the British squad comprising principally of riders from the Olympic academy programme the lack of medals is, perhaps, unsurprising, although Victoria Williamson and Jess Varnish finished sixth and seventh in the women’s sprint respectively.

Lewis Oliva notched up a top-ten finish in the men’s keirin but both he and Matthew Crampton finished well down in the men’s sprint; 16th and 22nd respectively.

The conclusion of the Cali World Cup sees Great Britain finish second on 3704 points, behind Germany (4037.5) and ahead of Australia (3398.5).

British Cycling believes it has qualified for all the events it wishes to enter at the track World Championships in Paris next month, although it will be confirmed when the UCI publishes its final rankings.