Germany take cycling gold as China are relegated for takeover offence

Germany's Miriam Welte and Kristina Vogel won the opening gold of the London 2012 track cycling programme with victory in the women's team sprint, but only after China were relegated for a takeover offence.

China's Gong Jinjie and Guo Shuang twice set the world record in qualifying and in the first round and finished first in the final in 32.619 seconds.

However, officials ruled the takeover between the pair was illegal and Germany, who clocked 32.798, were promoted to gold.

Australia's Anna Meares and Kaarle McCulloch (32.727) claimed bronze ahead of Ukraine.

It was the second relegation of the event after Great Britain's Jess Varnish and Victoria Pendleton were eliminated despite setting the second fastest time in the first round.

Guo expressed her frustration to officials before storming out of track centre as a moment of calm descended on the velodrome for the first time in a frantic opening evening of action.

More to follow...

PA