Britain’s Archibald and Leech Claim Madison Gold at Track Worlds

In a thrilling display of teamwork and resilience, Britain’s Katie Archibald and Maddie Leech secured the gold medal in the women’s Madison at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships held in Santiago on March 30, 2024. The duo finished with a total of 30 points, outpacing teams from France and Italy after a dramatic crash sidelined the Netherlands’ contenders.

Archibald, a two-time Olympic champion, and her partner Leech demonstrated remarkable recovery skills after initially trailing in the race. They executed a powerful late surge, showcasing their synergy and strategic prowess to clinch the victory. France’s Victoire Berteau and Marion Borras secured the silver medal with 24 points, while Italy’s Chiara Consonni and Vittoria Guazzini took home the bronze with 20 points.

The race took a significant turn when Dutch riders Lorena Wiebes and Maike van der Duin crashed midway through, ending their challenge and opening the door for the British team. Archibald’s prior experience as an Olympic champion in the Madison, having won at the Tokyo Games with the now-retired Laura Kenny, proved invaluable as she guided her younger teammate through the critical moments of the race.

British Dominance in Individual Pursuit

The success for Team GB continued as Anna Morris led a British one-two finish in the individual pursuit, further solidifying their dominance at the championships. Morris successfully defended her title, clocking a remarkable 4:27.005, which placed her 2.3 seconds ahead of compatriot Josie Knight. The performance demonstrated Morris’s consistent prowess, as she executed a smooth ride during the closing laps to secure her second consecutive world title.

The bronze medal in the individual pursuit went to American Chloe Dygert, who completed the podium with a commendable effort. This strong showing by the British cyclists not only highlights their skill but also reflects the depth of talent within the team as they aim for further success in future competitions.

The UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago has proven to be a significant event for British cycling, with Archibald and Leech’s gold in the Madison and Morris’s individual pursuit title underscoring their status as a formidable force in the sport.