Thomas sets superb time

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Thomas clocked four minutes 15.015 seconds in qualifying fastest for the 4km pursuit - the quickest time since Chris Boardman's world record in August 1996.

Boardman's time of 4mins 11.11secs was set on the same track but the 'Superman' position he adopted has since been outlawed.

Four-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy had earlier resumed international action in customary fashion with a powerful display in the opening round of the keirin.

The 33-year-old Team Sky+HD rider, who suffered a hip injury in a crash in Copenhagen in February, reached the second round with victory in the third heat, leading from the front after the derny motorbike left the track.

Jason Kenny (Great Britain) was third - with China's Tang Qi between the Britons in second - and faces a repechage to reach this evening's second round.

Hoy's display was overshadowed by Thomas but unfortunately for the 23-year-old from Cardiff, the pursuit is set to be dropped from the Olympic programme in changes proposed by the international cycling union (the UCI) to gain gender parity.

British Cycling are so certain the changes will be ratified by the International Olympic Committee in December that they have already adjusted their programme accordingly, including this weekend.

But Thomas, who suffered a fractured pelvis in a crash on the road in March, was permitted to ride in the event and produced an astonishing display against the clock.