CAIRO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- France's track cyclists Clara Copponi and Valentine Fortin dominated the women's Madison final on Thursday at the 2023 International Cycling Union (UCI) Track Nations Cup in Cairo.

During the 120 laps around Cairo's 250-meter track to cover 30 kilometers, which went on for over 35 breathtaking minutes, competition was fierce between the two-rider teams of France, Denmark and New Zealand, who stood on the podium.

It is the second gold Copponi and Fortin have brought to their country in Cairo, as the pair were part of France's four-rider team who won Wednesday's 4,000-meter women's team pursuit race over their New Zealand opponents.

"After the gold in the women's team pursuit, it is so special to bring another gold today," Fortin told Xinhua after the race.

Copponi added that it was good to finish her Track Nations Cup season with gold.

"It's also a good beginning because we have a long way to go. The French team is on the right track. We won a medal in every race here so far," Copponi said.

Running from March 14 to 17, the 2023 UCI Track Nations Cup in Cairo is a chance for participating athletes to progress in their bid to earn spots at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"We've been working hard for years to be ready for Paris 2024. I am happy with our results and proud of our riders," said France women's team coach Samuel Monnerais.

The event in Cairo, which features more than 400 track cyclists from over 50 countries and regions, is the second of the three rounds of the 2023 UCI Track Nations Cup. The first was held in Jakarta, Indonesia in February, and the third will be held in Milton, Canada in April. Enditem

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