Wales have won Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s team sprint at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome by beating England in the final.

The Welsh trio of Emma Finucane, Rhian Edmunds and Lowri Thomas defeated Katy Marchant, Sophia Capewell and Rhianna Parris-Smith in a new Commonwealth Games record time of 46.760s.

Wales had set the fastest time in qualifying to set up the gold medal race and delivered the ultimate upgrade on the bronze medal the same trio won in Birmingham in 2022.

It was the 18th medal for Team Wales with three gold, six silver and nine bronze.

This was the third medal for Wales on the opening night of track cycling after silver for Para-cyclist James Ball and his guide Matt Rotherham and bronze for the women’s team pursuit.

Unfortunately the men’s trio of Lewis Oliva, Steffan Lloyd and Ioan Hepburn could not compete in the team sprint event bronze medal race.

Hepburn was feeling ill and although he made it initially made to the start line he pulled out after having medical advice.

Trinidad and Tobago were awarded the bronze medal.