Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

UCI Nations Cup: Lavreysen back on top in Canada

The Dutch pair of Harrie Lavreysen and Jeffrey Hoogland took first and second in the keirin competition at the final round of UCI Track Nations Cup, in Milton, Canada.

European champion Lavreysen, competing in keirin for the first time in this year’s Nations Cup, surged to the front with just over two laps of the final remaining. Hoogland recognised the threat, and claimed his wheel ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Paul.

Great Britain’s Jack Carlin, squeezed low into fifth place at the bell, powered underneath Paul and Canada’s Nick Wammes entering the home straight, easing into the gap behind Hoogland to claim third.

There were a few familiar names missing from the startlist, with many leading riders already assured of a place at the Paris Olympics. Japan’s Kaiya Ota was among those opting to skip the trip to Milton – but with his win in Hong Kong, and third in Adelaide, he had done enough to top the competition’s overall standings.

Australia’s Matthew Richardson and Matthew Glaetzer, New Zealand’s Sam Dakin, and Malaysia’s Azizulhasni Awang were other notable absentees.

The reigning world champion, Colombia’s Kevin Quintero failed to reach the second round, finishing sixth out of seven in the first round, and fourth of six in his repechage. Great Britain’s Joe Truman also made an early exit, with two second places, behind Lavreysen and Santiago Ramirez.