- Harrie Lavreysen wins men’s keirin gold, ending British dominance since 2008.
- Lavreysen’s victory adds to his earlier golds in sprint and team sprint.
- Australians Matthew Richardson and Matthew Glaetzer win silver and bronze, respectively.
Dutch cyclist Harrie Lavreysen captured the men’s keirin gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a significant shift in the event’s history.
The men’s keirin final saw Lavreysen narrowly edge out Australia’s Matthew Richardson by just 0.056 seconds. Matthew Glaetzer of Australia claimed the bronze in a highly competitive race.
Lavreysen’s Keirin Gold Breaks British Dominance at Paris 2024
Harrie Lavreysen’s stunning performance in the men’s keirin race at the Paris 2024 Olympics ended a long-standing British dominance in the event. With previous Olympic champions Chris Hoy and Jason Kenny retired, Lavreysen’s gold medal marked a new chapter in keirin history. His impressive sprint in the final lap allowed him to secure victory over Matthew Richardson of Australia, who finished just shy of the gold.
Lavreysen’s victory was part of a remarkable Olympic campaign for the Dutch cyclist, who also won gold in the sprint and team sprint events. The race was not without its challenges, including a dramatic crash involving competitors Jack Carlin and Hamish Turnbull, which added an unexpected twist to the competition. The elimination of reigning world champion Kevin Quintero further heightened the stakes.
Australian cyclists Matthew Glaetzer and Matthew Richardson secured the bronze and silver medals, respectively, showcasing their competitive edge throughout the race. The keirin, a discipline that requires riders to follow a motorized pacemaker before sprinting in the final laps, was especially challenging this year. Lavreysen’s strategic approach and burst of speed in the closing moments ultimately led him to victory.
The keirin event, first introduced in Japan in 1948, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of strategy and speed. Lavreysen’s win not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also signified a shift in the event’s competitive landscape. As the new keirin champion, Lavreysen’s performance will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Olympic cycling history.
Harrie Lavreysen’s gold medal in the men’s keirin at Paris 2024 not only marks a personal triumph but also signifies a broader shift in Olympic cycling dynamics, ending a long-standing era of British dominance.
“Harrie Lavreysen surged to the men’s Olympic keirin title… to end British dominance of an event they had won at every Olympics since 2008.”
