The Dutch women sprinters made history on the first day of the Track Cycling World Championships. Kimberly Kalee, Hetty van de Wouw, and Steffie van der Peet claimed the world title in the team sprint for the first time ever in Santiago, Chile.
Kalee, Van de Wouw, and Van der Peet had already found success earlier this year at an international track event, having secured the European title in the team sprint at the recent European Championships in Heusden-Zolder. In Belgium, the Dutch women defeated the British, who were once again their main rivals in the final this time around.
In Chile, however, the British fielded an even stronger squad, as multiple world champion and Olympic champion Emma Finucane was back in action. The Dutch team got off to a stronger start, but Finucane managed to claw back some time with an exceptionally powerful lap.
The final word, however, went to the Dutch sprint team, as Kalee, Van de Wouw, and Van der Peet succeeded in maintaining their lead and capturing the world title. That this is no everyday achievement is evident from the fact that it is the first Dutch world title in the women's team sprint.
photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
Bronze for Australian women
The British women Finucane, Rhianna Parris-Smith, and Iona Moir had to settle for silver, while the battle for the bronze medal was won by Australia. Kristine Perkins, Molly McGill, and Alessia McCaig proved too strong for the Polish sprinters in this 'bronze final'.
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