Returning to the track following a shocking crash on Sunday that left him battered and bruised, Australian cyclist Matt Glaetzer has been dealt another cruel blow – denied a bronze medal on review in the men’s sprint.
Glaetzer came from behind to storm home against Scotland’s Jack Carlin, provisionally securing the bronze medal.
But after deliberating for more than half an hour, Birmingham officials relegated Glaetzer to fourth for moving in on Carlin, snatching away his medal.
While Aussie teammate Matthew Richardson went on to win gold in the event, Glaetzer’s stripping split the cycling world with suggestions Carlin had initiated the contact by moving off his line and into the way of Glaetzer.
Aussie cycling great Katey Bates labelled the decision “an absolute travesty”.
“I’m having nothing of that,” she said in commentary for Channel 7.
“The only time they made contact is when Carlin swung back up the track, and he in fact touched Glaetzer – if anybody got impeded, it was Glaetzer.
“I don’t see how the Australians will accept this and not feel robbed. This is an absolute travesty in my mind.”
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