Jack Carlin wins bronze medal in velodrome men's sprint

Scottish cyclist Jack Carlin has delivered a second velodrome medal for Team GB after defeating Denis Dmitriev 2-0 to take bronze in the men’s sprint.

The 24-year-old took the inside line to beat the former world champion in the opening race, and then held off a powerful finish from the 35-year-old Russian.

Bronze adds to the silver that Carlin, making his Olympic debut, took in the team event alongside Jason Kenny and Ryan Owens.

Given the dominance of the Dutch duo Jeffrey Hoogland and Harrie Lavreysen, bronze was a fine return for Carlin, who qualified third fastest and looked the man to beat for the final available medal.

Dmitriev took bronze in Rio five years ago, and beat Carlin’s team-mate Jason Kenny in the earlier rounds on Thursday, but the veteran’s legs did not quite have the power as Carlin attacked from the bell but only just hung on.

The final between Lavreysen and Hoogland went the distance before Lavreysen, the reigning world champion and the man who beat both Carlin and Kenny in this event, beat his teammate to the line in the deciding third heat.

Commenting on Carlin’s bronze, Mike Whittingham, director of high performance at sportscotland, said: “What an incredible performance by Jack to bring home bronze, his second medal of the Tokyo Olympics.

“He has put so much effort into preparing for these Games and it is great to see him rewarded with another medal.

“It is another fantastic moment for Jack, and for everyone connected with both Scottish and British Cycling.”