GB women claim team sprint gold with new world record at Paris Olympics

New Zealand claim silver, Germany bronze, on a night when records wouldn't stop falling

Team GB women's sprint squad of Emma Finucane, Sophie Capewell and Katy Marchant
(Image credit: Zac Williams/SWpix)

Great Britain's team sprint women have claimed the first track gold medal of the Paris Olympic Games, setting their third world record of the night as they did so.

The trio of Katy Marchant, Sophie Capewell and Emma Finucane rode to a time of 45.186sec, and beating New Zealand for a surprise silver medal.

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After cutting his teeth on local and national newspapers, James began at Cycling Weekly as a sub-editor in 2000 when the current office was literally all fields. 

Eventually becoming chief sub-editor, in 2016 he switched to the job of full-time writer, and covers news, racing and features.

A lifelong cyclist and cycling fan, James's racing days (and most of his fitness) are now behind him. But he still rides regularly, both on the road and on the gravelly stuff.