The medal guarantors in track cycling are delivering again: the German women’s trio and the four-man team pursuers are sprinting for gold at the European Championships in the afternoon. The men weren’t that good.
The German sprint trio around Emma Hinze, Pauline Sophie Grabosch and Lea Sophie Friedrich delivered a very strong performance at the Munich Exhibition Centre. With the best time, the three drove into the final for the gold medal. This is where they will face off against the Netherlands on Friday afternoon around 5.20pm (live on Das Erste).
Pursuit: women for gold, men for bronze
The first decision will be made in the women’s team pursuit (4:37 p.m.). The Olympic champions Lisa Brennauer, Franziska Brauße, Mieke Kröger and Lisa Klein meet the quartet from Italy in the title race. The German foursome qualified for the gold final with a commanding performance in the first round (4:14.665 minutes).
For the men it’s “only” about bronze in the team pursuit in the afternoon. The Germans benefited from a mistake by the Italians, who did not finish their run. With that, the German team is moving up, having actually already missed the medal race after the preliminary heats.
Men’s sprint team fails in the fight for medals
Eight trios competed in the men’s team sprint for four places in the gold and bronze finals. In the end, only a disappointing fifth place remained for the German team. The Netherlands and France fight for the gold medal, while Great Britain and Poland fight for the bronze. Both decisions are made in the afternoon.
Bad fall for Britain
Team Great Britain experienced a nasty fall in the women’s team sprint. Sophie Capewell and Emma Finucane collided on the straight after the first lap of their three-lap race. Both riders hit the barrier hard but eventually managed to get off the track on their own to the relief of the spectators, who gave them a loud round of applause.
A total of six European championship titles will be awarded on Friday (08/12/2022).