Archibald helps GB get off to a flier
SCOTTISH cycling star Katie Archibald believes Great Britain can take confidence into the next round of the women’s team pursuit as they smashed the competition away in qualification last night. GB were over two seconds faster than second-placed Italy at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, having laid down a marker of 4:19:330 before their rivals took to the track. ‘Hopefully we can carry that confidence through to the next round,’ said the Olympic gold medallist, who was joined by Laura Kenny, Elinor Barker and new recruit Eleanor Dickinson. ‘We’ve got a fight to come and I fancy our chances. ‘It’s nice to get started and I think through our ride we felt controlled. Other teams had their rides fall apart.’ Meanwhile, fellow Scot Jack Carlin hopes competing in front of a raucous home crowd will be a successful first step towards Tokyo 2020. The 21-year-old from Paisley walked away with a silver medal in the individual sprint at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April, adding to his two silvers from the World Championships. ‘We have got such strength and depth at the moment that anyone can make that step up — and it’s still all to play for, two years out from Tokyo,’ said Carlin. ‘This is the first Olympic qualification. This is what will give us a good idea of a basis and what we can build upon. ‘Tokyo is the main aim and what we all strive for. That’s why everyone is here, they all want to win a gold medal. ‘The velodrome will fill itself. It’s always been busy and it’s always been loud. You know what Scotland’s like.’ Early this week, Sir Chris Hoy tipped Carlin — who is competing in today’s team sprint event before heading back to the velodrome next week for the individual sprint and keirin — to be ‘one of the big stars’ in Tokyo. And while he is a bit reticent about that kind of chat, he appreciates the sentiment. ‘It’s huge,’ he said. ‘Chris is a role model of mine. ‘Hearing those words boosts your confidence.’