Matthew Glaetzer goes for cycling gold in men’s keirin at Paris Olympics

After 14 days of medals, there’s one more podium on the line for the Australian cyclist that cancer couldn’t stop.

Matthew Glaetzer is among Australia’s last chances for a podium finish. Picture: AFP

Matthew Glaetzer is the Aussie you need to stay up to cheer on.

After 14 days of medals, there’s one more podium on the line for the Australian cyclist that cancer couldn’t stop.

Glaetzer will join teammate and men’s sprint silver medallist Matthew Richardson in the quarter-finals of the men’s keirin at 7.29pm (AEST) on Sunday. And if they progress to the quarters, they will push each other in the final at 9.32pm (AEST).

“That would be a dream, to finish one-two,’’ Glaetzer said.

“It would be incredible. It’s possible, but there’s a lot of racing to come.’’

Matthew Glaetzer is going for gold in the men’s keirin. Picture: AFP

Glaetzer is part of Australian cycling’s redemption story from Tokyo three years ago, having helped steer the team sprint to bronze last Monday. But much more than that, Paris will be Glaetzer’s final Olympic fling, having competed in the green and gold at four Games.

By his own admission, the 31-year-old who fought off thyroid cancer in 2019, is planning to “let rip like never before”.

Paris will be Matthew Glaetzer’s final Olympic fling. Picture: Getty Images

“It hasn’t been easy,’’ Glaetzer said.

“I have been blessed to be in this position, to have this longevity, especially in a power sport. It’s not easy.

“I’m making the most of every opportunity. It’s making sure that I go out on a note that I’m satisfied with. I don’t want to leave anything out there. Every ride here could be my last.’’

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Of course, Richardson won’t lie down. The powerhouse sprinter knows he’s good. He’s a showman, who wagged his tongue across the finish line during his sprint heats earlier this week. But he does have respect for Glaetzer.

“Matt looked really good in his heat as well,’’ Richardson said.

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“Matty is definitely suited to rolling at a high speed (in the keirin), but I’m pretty fast myself at the moment. Anything is possible. Keirin can be a lottery, a lot can happen in your favour and against you.’’

Meanwhile, Kristina Clonan’s Paris 2024 campaign has ended after she failed to make it through the women’s individual sprint repechage round.

Originally published as Matthew Glaetzer goes for cycling gold in men’s keirin at Paris Olympics