Canada’s Olympic Games team sprint duo makes it to first round

Canada’s highlight of the second day at the Rio Olympic Velodrome was team sprint duo Kate O’Brien and Monique Sullivan qualifying for the first round. But Friday’s all-around highlights on the Rio boards were more Olympic Games and world records falling.

The Canadian duo had the 7th fastest time of 33.735, with China’s new Olympic record of 32.305 the high mark. Canada then faced second-fastest qualifier Russia in Heat 3, where the Russians prevailed. China went on to beat their own O.R. in Heat 4 versus Spain with 31.928. China faced the Russians in the gold medal matchup and completed its fine day with the victory. Germany took the bronze.

Monique Sullivan and Kate O'Brien in the zone ahead of the women's team sprint #Rio2016 #Olympics #trackcycling pic.twitter.com/f3XTZp8obx

— Canadian Cycling Mag (@CanadianCycling) August 12, 2016

After establishing a new Olympic record Thursday, the British men’s team pursuit squad set the world record in the gold medal final against world champion Australians, who pushed the Brits hard. Sir Bradley Wiggins, Owain Doull, Steven Burke and Ed Clancy posted 3:50.265 the day after Great Britain’s team pursuit women smashed the world record in qualifying.

Men's Team Pursuit podium#Gold   #GBR #Silver   #AUS  #Bronze   #DEN #CyclingTrack   #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/20C7kIzJCn

— UCI Track Cycling (@UCI_Track) August 12, 2016

Jason Kenny, part of Great Britain’s gold medal and Olympic record setting team sprint trio Thursday, also set an O.R. in men’s individual sprint qualifying with 9.551-seconds in the flying 200-metres.

Saturday sees Canada’s women’s team pursuit outfit go up against those powerful Brits in the first round, while Sullivan and O’Brien will contest the keirin.