Australia had to pull out a record breaking ride to complete an epic comeback against longtime rivals New Zealand in the 4000m team pursuit decider.
The squad of Georgia Baker, Claudia Marcks, Alyssa Polites and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden broke the Commonwealth Games record with a 4.10.658 ride to take out the gold medal. Sophie Edwards was replaced by Baker after the qualifier.
It was a thrilling ride between the two cycling heavy weights, Australia had to fight until the end against the pre-race favourites.
Despite taking an early lead, New Zealand took control and were in position to run away with the win – building their lead to as much as 0.278 at one stage.
But the green and gold grit never gave up, and the Aussie women put their head down and pedalled on – putting in a record breaking performance to win gold.
Wilson-Haffenden put in a stellar ride as the lead during the closing stretch.
While Jessica Gallagher won silver in a chaotic women’s tandem B sprint final that was delayed after the riders crashed into each other.
Piloted by Jacqueline Mengler-Mohr, the Australian pair had a wobbly start to their second race and lost control – flying straight into New Zealand’s Emma Foy and pilot Jessie Hodges which saw the girls to take an ugly fall.
Perth’s Kane Perris and longtime pilot Luke Zaccaria got the medal action underway for Australia with their 1000m tandem time trial bronze.
The visually impaired West Aussie could not break the one minute mark needed pip gold from Scotland’s Neil Fachie, but comfortably landed on the podium with a 1.01.873 finish.