Australia’s men’s track cycling team claims silver in the 4000m team pursuit

“IT was a red hot ride”, a ride that took Australia to an incredible silver medal behind Great Britain in the 4000m team pursuit.

Australia's Men's Team Pursuit team including Callum Scotson (preliminary round rider) Jack Bobridge, Michael Hepburn, Sam Welsford and Alex Edmondson win the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Rio Olympic Velodrome. Alex Edmondson presents prelim rider Callum Scotson with his silver medal. Pics Adam Head

Australia’s men’s track cycling team has claimed a silver medal in the 4000m team pursuit event at Rio this morning.

Brookfield’s Michael Hepburn and teammates Alex Edmondson, Jack Bobridge and Sam Welsford took an early lead and looked capable of claiming gold and a world record time.

Hepburn lead the team for two laps early on to put Australia in front.

The early loss of Bobridge going into the third kilometre saw Australia down to three riders for the remainder.

Australia's Men's Team Pursuit team including Michael Hepburn, Jack Bobridge, Sam Welsford and Alex Edmondson win the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Rio Olympic Velodrome. Pics Adam Head

Great Britain’s team kept its composure and improved its time over the last 1000m to claim gold and remain the Olympic champions, after defeating the Aussies in London in 2012.

Great Britain broke its own world record with a time of 3.50.26 but Australia’s personal best time of 3.51.00 would have beaten the world record from the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Hepburn said after the race “it was a red hot ride” from both teams but said Great Britain’s riding was “another level”.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — AUGUST 12: Alexander Edmondson, Jack Bobridge, Michael Hepburn and Sam Welsford of Team Australia competes in the Men's Team Pursuit Final for Gold on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Velodrome on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

“We can proud of the effort we did — 3.51.00. These guys have done a fabulous ride,” Hepburn said.