Great Britain settle for silver in women's team pursuit at European Track Championship
Italy take gold medal in Berlin
Great Britain's women's team pursuit squad had to settle for a silver medal as Italy took gold at the European Track Championships in Berlin.
On Wednesday, the British team consisting of Olympic champions Elinor Barker and Katie Archibald together with Emily Kay and Ellie Dickinson had qualified second fastest behind the Italians in a time of 4:21.219, setting up a semi-final clash with hosts Germany.
Kay was replaced by Manon Lloyd for that race, which the Brits were leading until three of the German team crashed with seven laps remaining, sending the British quartet through to the final.
The final saw a close contest for the vast majority of the 16 lap race, but the British team tired noticeably in the closing stages, allowing Italy to pull clear and claim the gold medal by more than three seconds.
>>> Andy Tennant crashes due to 'dizziness' during team pursuit at European Track Championships
Speaking after the race, the British team seemed content with their silver medal, but insisted work still needed to be done if they were take further success later in the season.
"This is the starting point of the track season and to come second to Italy... they did a really good time of 4:17 and we still did a pretty good time so we’re happy," said Lloyd. "We’ve got a lot to work on in the coming weeks."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
There were no other medals for Great Britain on the second day of the Championships on Thursday, with Ellie Dickinson come closest with an impressive fifth place in the elimination race.
Katie Marchant and Sophie Capewell finished seventh in the women's sprint, while World Championship bronze medallist Chris Latham finished ninth in the men's scratch race.
The European Championships continue on Friday, with medals up for grabs in the men's elimination race, omnium, and individual sprint, and the women's points race, individual pursuit, and 500m time trial.
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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Buying a saddle online without a fit is a risky move — here's how to find the best perch for you
Getting your saddle right makes all the difference, we spoke to an expert to help guide you in the process
By Rob Kemp Published
-
Guava Spot Force AXS review: the Catalan gravel bike that loves tarmac too
It just doesn’t deal with fast asphalt, rocky terrain, sandy stretches and damp conditions, but it excels across them. It’s fast, aggressive, nimble, stable, and above all compliant.
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
British Cycling CEO says there is 'no easy solution' to 20mph restrictions issue faced by UK race organiser
Junior Tour of Wales hit by last minute route change in August due to 11 kilometres of 20mph zones on course
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Young British talent is better than ever, despite the domestic scene's struggles - what next?
Get ready for the next generation of British success, but can it last forever with a shrinking calendar?
By Adam Becket Published
-
Important British race disappears from domestic calendar, as scene continues to suffer
The Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix was part of the shrinking National Road Series
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'The future is bright': British Cycling CEO praises homegrown talent at Tour of Britain
Four Brits currently make up the top four in the general classification going into the race's final weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men 2024 complete startlist: Tom Pidcock and Remco Evenepoel headline six-day event
All the teams and riders for the first edition of the race under British Cycling management
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Promising British rider who quit cycling now feels 'a bit of freedom and happiness'
Nineteen-year-old Cormac Nisbet says he 'always had a bit of fear' in the peloton
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Remco Evenepoel and Julian Alaphilippe confirmed for Tour of Britain Men
Double Olympic champion and Alaphilippe headline Soudal Quick-Step team selection
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Wout van Aert’s 2023 Tour of Britain prize money still in limbo
Funds still outstanding after British Cycling agreed to honour prize money
By Tom Thewlis Published