Hoy, Hindes and Kenny set a new record as they brought home gold, completing the track in 42.600.
The uber-popular Olympic track cycling was going Britain’s way after the sprints, with Philip Hindes, Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy posting a new world record time of 42.747 which they later topped.
After the tense, exciting sprints, accompanied by deafening cheers, the eight teams to qualify for the men’s team pursuit were Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Russia, Spain, Colombia and the Netherlands. Belgium and Korea were eliminated.
The team sprint cycling was played out in front of a packed house that included Prince William and Kate Middleton, David Cameron, George Osbourne and Jeremy Hunt.
Team GB track cyclists were gunning for medals today as Britain has a history of success in Olympic cycling. The country’s gold haul, however, was never going to be as impressive as that from Beijing four years ago where Team GB cyclists brought home seven golds, three silvers and two bronzes.
Since then, cycling governing body the UCI has introduced a one-rider-per-nation-per-event rule.
Hoy set out today to defend two of the three gold medals he won in Beijing four years ago but because of the UCI rule, Hoy was chosen for only two of the Olympic cycling events, while GB team mate Jason Kenny, was chosen to ride the sprint.
Hoy was philosophical about the decision. “I’m obviously disappointed not to be defending all three of my titles,” he said, but continued: “Jason deserves this opportunity and has a greater chance of success in the sprint.”
The mood was pure jubilation this evening as Hoy defended his gold. Te Team GB cyclists Hoy, Kenny and Hindes cycled a victory lap as the crowds erupted and David Bowie’s Heros played.