Lavreysen takes record fifth keirin world title

Dutch track cyclist Harrie Lavreysen won his 22nd world title and a fifth world championship gold in the keirin in Shanghai, taking the event record from Britain’s Chris Hoy. The 29-year-old said the tally still surprised him. [1]

“I hear that and think: that makes no sense,” Lavreysen told Dutch broadcaster NOS. “Wonderful,” he added.

He had already retained the team sprint world title on Wednesday. Lavreysen said he had enjoyed that win but needed to work himself up for the keirin the next morning. He was nervous before the final because the Japanese riders had looked fast, he said, making the victory all the sweeter.

Lavreysen spent much of the final on the outside, which he called a beginner’s mistake. Half a lap from the finish, he thought it was over, he said, but he was still in front and went on to win.