Australia wins women's team sprint bronze after four years of Track Worlds absence

The ARA Australian Cycling Team women's team sprint squad has put four years of absence from the event in the rear-view mirror by winning an unexpected bronze medal at the 2024 UCI Track World Championships in Ballerup, Denmark.

Kristina Clonan, Alessia McCaig and Molly McGill delivered two new national records en route to winning the bronze medal final against Germany in a time of 47.358 seconds.

The trio upped the ante in all three rides throughout the opening day of racing at Ballerup Super Arena after qualifying third in a time of 47.727 and ousting Mexico in the first round via a 47.472 performance.

The result marks a sensational start to McCaig and McGill's Track Worlds debuts, who both rose to the standard set by Clonan in second wheel.

It was all smiles for both ARA Australian Cycling Team team sprint squads after winning world championship medals. Picture: Jonathan Nackstrand / AFP / Getty Images

"I’m very happy with how we rode as a new team after only having worked together for three weeks leading into this," McCaig said.

"For each ride we focused on the execution and we went faster each round, so to come out with a medal is just incredible. We didn’t expect this.

"I think this opportunity has definitely been a long time coming, but the medal is just a bonus and makes that wait and hard work really worth it. I hope this is just the start of the opportunities for myself, and the women’s team sprint group."

Team starter McGill echoed the excitement of beginning a new chapter of Australian women's team sprinting.

"It’s been a long 2 years waiting to ride with these girls at this level and we really wanted to make the most of this opportunity," McGill said.

"I’m very proud to be a part of the rebirth of this team and I can’t wait to see where we can take this.

"Personally, after a slightly disruptive preparation due to injuries, I’m happy with what I was able to produce today. It was enough to get the job done tonight and that’s all I can ask for."

Clonan said the bronze medal ushers in a new era of women's team sprint in Australia.

"Personally, I came into sprint in 2019 off the back of a incredibly successful women's sprint program with Anna (Meares), Kaarle (McCulloch) and Steph (Morton), and I'm so happy to now, after five years, be standing on a Track Worlds podium with two athletes who are so fresh in their career," she said.

"I think its a testament to our coaches and system to be able to back up performances with a whole new team in a whole new era of sprint. And the best part is, it's just the beginning."

2024 UCI Track World Championships - Results

Women's Team Sprint Gold Medal Final

1. Great Britain 45.949
2. Netherlands 46.593 (+0.644)

Women's Team Sprint Bronze Medal Final

3. Australia 47.358
4. Germany 48.188 (+0.830)

Feature picture: Jonathan Nackstrand / AFP / Getty Images