London 2012 Olympics: track cycling - in pictures

As the dominant force in world cycling, the British team are expecting a significant medal haul at the Games. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins/NOPP

Jess Varnish and Victoria Pendleton are the first Brits in action - and they storm to a world record in their first run in the women's team sprint, and then cruise through the semis
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

But it appears the Brits completed the changeover in their semi-final race outside of the required zone. This could be a major problem. In comes the head of British Cycling Dave Brailsford to discuss the threat of disqualification with the chief commissaire Wayne Pomario. It's all to no avail. The Brits are disqualified!
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

And they're not the only ones. China's Jinjie Gong, who thought she and her team-mate Shuang Guo had won gold, looks aghast as they are demoted to second. Germany are therefore awarded the gold instead
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Up in the stands, the Duke of Cambridge looks drained by the heat in the velodrome while sat alongside his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, and brother Prince Harry
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Will things be any more straightforward for the riders in the men's team sprint event? The British trio comprises Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes. But Hindes makes a slow start and has to wrestle his bike from the off
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The youngster can't stay upright and crashes to the deck in the opening metres of the race, forcing a restart Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins/NOPP

Hindes is checked out by his coaches
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Hoy seems pleased enough Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins/NOPP

The Brits win the re-run and the subsequent semi-final, giving themselves a gold medal opportunity
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

In the men's team pursuit qualifying round, Team GB are similarly dominant, setting a new world record Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins/NOPP

In the men's team sprint final, Hindes, Kenny and Hoy are on a charge. The French team can't keep up - they're not even close
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

And it's gold for Britain! Delight all round, especially for sprint coaches Iain Dyer (left) and Jan Van Ejden (right)
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Hoy slumps over his bike, overwhelmed by joy and exhaustion
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

That's his fifth Olympic gold medal. Cue lots of air punching from Hoy and a group hug for Hindes, Brailsford and Shane Sutton
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Hoy and his team-mates take to the podium to receive their gold medals from Princess Anne Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins/NOPP

Hoy gets a little teary eyed as the national anthem is played
Photograph: Tom Jenkins