August 2, 2003 (Stuttgart, Germany) – Everyone filing out the stadium today was enthusiastically recounting the memorable racing. All spectators had reason to be excited as they witnessed World records being broken as arms lifted to the sky in victory salute, while others braved tears of disappointment

The Australian team pursuit, consisting of Graeme Brown, Peter Dawson, Brett Lancaster and Luke Roberts stunned everyone with their World record breaking performance. Averaging 63 km/hr their time of 3:57.280 minutes, broke the previous record by more than two seconds. Great Britain put in a gallant effort with a time of 4:00.629 but couldn't overcome the Aussie power team.

Another exciting race was the Men's Match Sprint's gold medal round between French rider, Laurent Gane and Australia's Jobie Dajka. Dajka won the first round by a tire but Gane was to able to come back and win the second race. The crowd was on their feet even before the final round began and cheered these talented riders as Gane took the last sprint.

Canada's Lori-Ann Muenzer took to the track once again in the 200 metres qualifying 5th in 11.308 but unfortunately was knocked out of contention by Nancy Contreas of Mexico in the eighth finals. Mandy Poitras fared better in the Scratch race, keeping all of her skin and finishing a respectable 15th place. Olga Slusareva of Russia took the gold.

Another memorable Canadian performance that took place on Friday evening was Mark Ernsting's 15th place in the Men's Points race. An event of 140 laps with 20 sprints, it's a test of endurance, speed and guts. Ernsting rode with all three and was able to crack the top half of the world class field of riders.

Tomorrow, Canada's Martin Gilbert and Alex Cloutier will get to race the popular and exciting Madison race. Stay tuned.

Results

Women's Scratch Race
1. Olga Slusareva, Russia
2. Rochelle Gilmore, Australia
3. Adrie Visser, Netherlands
15. Mandy Poitras, Canada

Men's Match Sprint
1. Laurent Gane, France
2. Jobie Dajka, Australia
3. Rene Wolf, Germany

Team Pursuit
1. Australia
2. Great Britain
3. France

Men's Points Race
1. Franz Stocher, Austria
2. Juan Llaneras Rosello, Spain
4. Jos Pronk, Netherlands
15. Mark Ernsting, Canada