#GC2018 Glaetzer grabs keirin gold

In the electric Anna Meares Velodrome, sprint World Champion Matthew Glaetzer lifted the roof at the end of the night by defending his Commonwealth keirin title, also capturing Australia’s fifth cycling gold of the Games.
 
The 25-year-old, who took bronze in the team sprint on the opening day, beat Welshman Lewis Oliva and New Zealand’s Edward Dawkins to the finish line with a barnstorming ride in the final.

It was a perfect day for Glaetzer as he stormed to three wins in the keirin competition in sizzling fashion in front of the huge crowd. 

GOLD FOR AUSTRALIA □

□□ @MatthewGlaetzer has exploded in the final lap!

Amazing scenes from an amazing athlete. □#7CommGames #GC2018CyclingTrack pic.twitter.com/fFBgDI8PZR

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 6, 2018

Matthew Glaetzer

It is massive because I was reigning Champion – there’s a lot of pressure and you can feel that expectation – It’s about trying to be ice man, be clinical and when it happens it just comes in  rush, and the Aussie crowd just goes nuts.
 
Yesterday didn't go to plan, I burnt myself out a bit too much (in the team sprint). Today I just had to reset, get the emotions out and push myself.

Those races aren't easy but you're in a position that people envy so I can't complain, just loving the fact I got to win it again and share it with this home crowd.

We as athletes aren't doing it for ourselves, we're doing it for the nation.  We don't get it (home crowd) too often, so it's absolutely sensational when that flag is raised and the whole nation is behind you.