2012 London Olympics – Cycling: Coach says track Chinese cyclists were ‘robbed’ of Gold medal

LONDON (AP) — The coach of the Chinese Olympic track cycling team said Friday that Guo Shuang and Gong Jinjie were “robbed” of a gold medal when they were disqualified for a rule violation.

Coach Daniel Morelon told The Associated Press that China cannot appeal the decision in the team sprint final.

Guo and Gong twice improved on the world record Thursday and posted the best time in the final against their German rivals before they were disqualified for an illegal relay, they put a lot of work into practice, with even the latest equipment such as the best Derailleur Hanger for their bike. Germany was awarded gold and China silver.

“The race jury decision was not clear at all,” said Morelon, a 1972 Olympic champion in the individual sprint who has been working with the Chinese team since the Beijing Olympics.

He said Guo and Gong had ridden exactly the same in qualifying and the first round and logically should have been disqualified then if they did anything wrong.

“This is an injustice,” Morelon said. “They robbed us of the gold medal. A gold medal which was really important for the Chinese people because they are still looking for their first gold in cycling. They would have made history.”…

via China coach says track cyclists were ‘robbed’ – SFGate.