Australia’s Track Cycling Team has broken two world records in as many days with sprinter Matthew Richardson producing an historic ride in Men’s Sprint Qualifying in Paris.
Matthew broke the world record in 9.09 seconds but it stood for just five minutes before Dutchman Harrie Lavreysen went even faster with 9.091s.
In breaking the world record, they average speeds of 79km/h, further enhancing the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines National Velodrome’s reputation for being lightning quick.
Less than 24 hours earlier, Australia’s Men’s Team Pursuit broke the world record by riding a sizzling 3:40.730 in round one to book a ride against Great Britain in the gold medal final 12.33am AEST.
Matthew progressed to the next round of the Men’s Sprint as the second fastest qualifier, while teammate Leigh Hoffman was impressive with 9.242s to post the fourth fastest time.
Leigh will ride against Canadian Nick Wammes in the next round and Matthew is up against Jair Tjon En Fa from Suriname.
In other events, Australia’s Kristina Clonan finished fourth in her heat in the Women’s Keirin and will ride in the repechage, as will Chloe Moran who was sixth.
The Women’s Team Pursuit was back on the boards racing France with Alex Manly coming into the quartet in place of Chloe.
She joined Maeve Plouffe, Georgia Baker and Sophie Edwards to ride 4:09.975 joining teams in the race for 5th-8th.
Reece Homfray
