Team GB’s track cyclists will commence their quest for medals on Monday at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome, where they will rely on Olympic newcomer Emma Finucane to spearhead their hopes for gold in the sprint events.
Over the last four Olympic cycles, British track cyclists have enjoyed considerable success. From the 2008 Beijing Games to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, gold medals have been plentiful. While success has become the norm, there have been indications of a potential decline in recent years.
As Team GB enters this week’s competitions, there is a slight sense of decline. Retired champions Laura and Jason Kenny, who collectively hold 12 gold medals, are no longer competing, and Katie Archibald, often viewed as the next in line, is recovering at home after an unusual garden accident. Much like Laura Kenny and Victoria Pendleton before her, Finucane is now set to emerge as the new star of the track, illustrating the depth of talent within the British women’s sprint team.
However, there is still much potential for medal wins in other areas. The retired Kenny has expressed optimism, suggesting that Team GB should aim for eight gold medals, a feat that would exceed their success in London 2012. Achieving this would require several standout performances, but Kenny’s belief might prove to be warranted.
The lead-up to the track events has not been straightforward, with Archibald – an Olympic gold medallist from Rio and Tokyo, who was scheduled to compete in the omnium, madison, and team pursuit – out of contention after suffering a leg break from a fall in her garden. As a cornerstone of the track campaign, her absence has been acutely felt.
Yet, as one opportunity fades, another arises, with Finucane ready to take the stage. The sprint disciplines, both team and individual, along with the keirin, await her. The 21-year-old admits to feeling quite nervous but has already demonstrated her capability to excel in high-pressure situations.
After a lag in women’s sprinting, Team GB now boasts a formidable roster of talent. Finucane, along with Katy Marchant and Sophie Capewell, supports their team sprint ambitions. Their past successes in world championships and recent wins at the Nations Cup mark them as strong contenders for gold.
Conversely, the scenario in British men’s sprinting remains influenced by Jason Kenny’s legacy, even post-retirement. Nevertheless, he will still be present at the velodrome, coaching the sprint team.
Jack Carlin, who clinched a silver and bronze at Tokyo, will face a significant challenge as he aims to surpass the dominance of Dutch sprinter Harrie Lavreysen in the individual sprint and keirin events. Additionally, the team pursuit title remains the ultimate goal for Team GB’s endurance squad. A standout figure among the pursuiters is the innovative Dan Bigham, who, after serving as an advisor for Denmark during Tokyo, is now back with Team GB.
Despite this being his first Olympic appearance for Team GB, Bigham’s contribution to enhancing the team pursuiters’ performance is invaluable. Even as there have been murmurs of a slowdown within the endurance squad, which has allowed competitors to catch up, the 32-year-old is resolute in his opposition to this notion.
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“You’re back towards sea level, there’s one year less, and the global financial situation – particularly in the cycling industry – isn’t what it was, so I don’t believe the research and development factor will be quite as significant as it was in the last cycle,” he commented. “I don’t think the advancements will be as substantial.”
The two Ethans, Hayter and Vernon, alongside Charlie Tanfield and Ollie Wood, all participated in Tokyo. However, a crash – ironically during a race against the Danish team – ended their hopes. Bigham anticipates a stronger performance this time in track cycling’s prestigious event. “To win [the team pursuit], I think we may need to achieve around a world record,” he stated. “I am confident we have the right group to accomplish that. We are performing excellently and are in a favorable position. Absolutely, we can achieve it.”
The women’s endurance team is seeking to rejuvenate after Archibald’s loss, with Elinor Barker, in her third Olympics, expected to compete in the omnium and madison alongside veteran racer Neah Evans.
There is cautious optimism within the women’s team pursuit, especially after Great Britain claimed the world championship in this event for the first time in nine years in Glasgow last year. However, in Archibald’s absence, securing the top position may prove challenging.
