Kenny left unperturbed by GB’s lack-lustre men

Four fifth-placed finishes – for Jason Kenny in the sprint and Keirin, the team sprint trio of Kenny, Phil Hindes and Kian Emadi and Yorkshire’s Ed Clancy in the omnium – were the best Britain’s men could do, unless Owain Doull and Jon Dibben could deliver in the Madison, which resembles ‘Wacky Races’ and is unpredictable, in last night’s closing action.

The depth of disappointment at the performances of the men was felt from day one, when their team pursuit squad, including two-time Olympic gold medallist Clancy, finished eighth in the worst display by a British quartet in over 15 years.

British Cycling head coach Shane Sutton – in charge of the squad as performance director Sir Dave Brailsford focused on his other job as Team Sky principal – had targeted six medals in the 10 Olympic disciplines, five for each gender. Britain’s cyclists are funded for Olympic success, not the annual worlds competition, and laid-back Kenny refuses to be unduly alarmed.

“There’s no point worrying about it; there’s no point losing any sleep,” said the 25-year-old from Bolton, who has more Olympic titles (three) than world crowns (two). “Hopefully next year we’ll see a bit of a resurgence in the sprint (events), particularly the men’s sprint.”

Olympic champion Laura Trott was in silver medal position with one event to go in the women’s omnium.

In the women’s Keirin semi-finals, Becky James held her ground and showed great composure to keep her position on the inside and advance to the final. Jess Varnish was eliminated, finishing fifth in the first semi-final.

In road racing, Team Sky’s Ian Stannard won the opening Belgian Classic of the season, the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in torrential rain.

Burley-in-Wharfedale’s Scott Thwaites featured strongly in both Belgian Classics over the weekend for NetApp Endura.