Portuguese cyclist Iúri Leitão secured a bronze medal at the Track Cycling World Championships in the scratch race after a significant delay and an official review, prompted by his unique recognition of a crucial race error.
Leitão was initially classified as seventh, then briefly sixth, before eventually being elevated to a podium spot several minutes later, following an investigation by race officials. The event itself had commenced approximately 40 minutes behind schedule.
The Portuguese competitor was the only cyclist who noticed an additional lap had been completed on the velodrome track. He stopped and protested that the race was over, while other riders continued to sprint.
The customary bell, which signals the final lap of the race, was not rung, leading to widespread confusion among the peloton.
Portuguese national coach Gabriel Mendes confirmed that an extra lap was indeed ridden. He also explained that Leitão was disadvantaged by the movement of Belgian rider Jules Hesters during the approach to what should have been the final lap.
“In that lap, Iúri passed in fourth place, but, after the race review by the commissioners, the Belgian was relegated and we finished third,” Mendes stated, detailing the decision-making process.
Mendes expressed regret that Hesters’ action might have prevented Leitão from achieving a first-place finish. He acknowledged the bronze was “an excellent result,” despite the circumstances being beyond their control.
Throughout the 40-lap event, Leitão maintained a position primarily within the second half of the main group. He accelerated decisively with 12 laps remaining, recovering significant ground to put himself in medal contention for the final stretch.
This bronze medal marks Leitão’s third at the World Championships. He previously earned a gold in the Omnium event in 2023 and a silver in the Elimination race in 2021.
Portugal’s history in track cycling World Championships also includes four other medals. Maria Martins secured two bronzes, while Ivo Oliveira achieved a silver and a bronze in individual pursuit events.
Leitão is scheduled to compete again Friday in the kilometer qualification, with potential finals later in the day. These events are set to begin around 15:00 UTC in Santiago.
Fellow Portuguese cyclist Diogo Narciso will also aim to qualify for the individual pursuit final on Friday. João Matias is slated for the points race direct final, also around 21:00 UTC.
Leitão is set to contest all four Omnium events on Saturday.
On Sunday, João Matias will compete in the elimination final. Diogo Narciso and Leitão are scheduled to team up for the Madison event.