Harrie Lavreysen has seemingly effortlessly qualified for the semifinals in the sprint tournament at the Track Cycling World Championships in Chile. The 28-year-old rider from Luyksgestel defeated the Frenchman Rayan Helal in two sprints. Jeffrey Hoogland no longer has a chance at a medal in the sprint tournament, as he was defeated after two tense sprints by Australian Leigh Hoffman.
Lavreysen’s qualification means that the 19-time world champion can now prepare this afternoon/evening for a twentieth world title. The first heat of the semifinals will take place at 3:00 PM Dutch time, with the first final heat scheduled for 5:46 PM.
At the World Championships in Chile, Lavreysen could secure his fourth gold medal. Earlier this week, the champion completed his hat trick by taking gold in the kilometre time trial, the team sprint, and the keirin.
Hoogland out of action for the rest of the Worlds
For Hoogland, the track cycling World Championships are over. The 32-year-old rider from Nijverdal felt that he mainly let the first heat slip against Hoffman. "I thought I had it, but you should never think that. I'm disappointed about that," he told NOS after losing in a photo finish.
Still, Hoogland finishes with a positive outlook. "This World Championships is just step one toward the 2028 Olympics. I was actually surprised that I was already performing this well this week." The first step toward the bigger goal earned the Dutchman a gold medal in the team sprint, a silver in the kilometre time trial, and a bronze in the keirin.
