Team GB start strong in qualifying by breaking women's team sprint record - only to be beaten by China
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Great Britain's Jess Varnish and Victoria Pendleton set a team sprint world record in qualifying only to see China better the mark moments later in the opening Olympic event at the London 2012 velodrome.
The eight fastest teams advanced to the first round, with Varnish and Pendleton clocking 32.526 seconds to better the time Germany set in winning Track Cycling World Championships gold in Melbourne in April.
But China's Gong Jinjie and Guo Shuang went faster still in the fifth and final heat, clocking 32.447secs.
German duo Kristina Vogel and Miriam Welte were third fastest in 32.630, with Australia's Anna Meares and Kaarle McCulloch fourth quickest in 32.825.
The four fastest teams from the first round were set to go through to the medal rounds in an event which was wide open.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments