Aussie track cyclist Matthew Richardson breaks world record, then loses it
Australian track cyclist Matthew Richardson claimed a world record in bittersweet circumstances in Olympics qualifying for the men's sprint in an extraordinary few minutes at the velodrome.
Richardson finished his ride in 9.091 seconds, becoming the first man to officially go under 9.1 seconds and claim the Australian, Olympic and world record.
Prior to Richardson's ride, Israel's Mikhail Yakolev had set the Olympic record and the Aussie was remarkably 0.009 behind him on the first split.
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But then the 25-year-old flew home to claim all the records.
Matthew Richardson celebrates after breaking the world record in qualifying for the men's sprint at the Olympic Games. Nine
"What a ride, the former gymnast from Western Australia, look at that hot potato ride there," expert Kate Bates said on Nine.
"First man officially to go under 9.1 seconds in the history of the sport, just extraordinary," caller Scott McGrory added.
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However, just minutes later, Dutch rider Harrie Lavreysen pipped Richardson's time to take the world and Olympic record off him.
Lavreysen finished ahead of him by 0.003 seconds with a time of 9.088.
Yakovlev finished third while Australian Leigh Hoffman was fourth with a time of 9.242.
