There were some dramatic moments during the team pursuit final at the Paris 2024 Games when Great Britain’s Ethan Hayter nearly crashed after losing control of his bike and slipping off the saddle. It was a wild ending to an exciting event on Day 4 of competition at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines National Velodrome.
Hayter, who rides for Ineos Grenadiers when racing on the road, was one of the strongest members of the pursuit team. However, during a crucial pull, he lost control and slipped onto the top tube. He miraculously kept it upright, but it was a close call.
Australia takes gold
Australia took the win and set a new world record with a time of 3:42.067. Although GB trailed for most of the race, they fought back in the final laps and came within a second of the Aussies. It was Australia’s first win in the event sine the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Hayter rode with Dan Bigham, Ethan Vernon and Charlie Tanfield.
“We were so close and I could see it. It was nearly five laps to go, and I really gave too much. My whole body went weak, and I struggled to hold myself on the bike in the end,” Hayter said after the race. “Sorry to the guys, but I think we gave everything and can be proud of that silver medal.”
This was Great Britain’s 1,000th medal in Olympic history—though the team was hopeful for gold. “We were super happy to win a silver medal, but it was really there for the taking. We went out to get it but just came up short in the end, so it’s a shame,” he added.
In other results, Canada’s men competed against Belgium in the 7th to 8th match, catching their opponents to finish 7th with a time of 3:54.5. The Canadian women’s team finished 8th with a time of 4:12.09.
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