In the UCI Track Champions League, Harrie Lavreysen from the Netherlands made a strong start in the sprint discipline, which he is known for dominating. Being an Olympic and world champion at 26 years old, Lavreysen outperformed his competitors at the Palma velodrome, marking the beginning of a series that will conclude with a double-header event in London next month. As the winner, Lavreysen earned 20 points and secured an additional 20 points by winning the keirin race.
Alessa-Catriona Propster from Germany surpassed Britain’s Emma Finucane, the reigning women’s sprint world champion, in the sprint event where she claimed first place. Finucane was donning the rainbow jersey obtained from her victory in Glasgow in August.
The Track Champions League showcases the talents of 36 elite endurance riders and 36 top sprinters. Endurance riders compete in scratch and elimination races, while the sprinters partake in sprint and keirin.
Katie Archibald, a two-time Olympic champion from Britain and winner of the inaugural Champions League in 2021, had a successful start to the competition. She triumphed in the elimination race and secured second place in the scratch race, with Lily Williams taking the top spot.
In the men’s endurance series, Eiya Hashimoto from Japan emerged as the leader after the first two events.
Throughout the five rounds of the Track Champions League, points are given to determine the winners in the men’s and women’s sprint and endurance categories. The next round will take place in Berlin.
Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ed Osmond
