Carlin looking to learn from UCI Track World Cup

Two fourth-place finishes in the keirin and the sprints represented an agonising return from what was a standout weekend of cycling on the Lee Valley VeloPark track for the 21-year-old.

But the Scot - who was riding for Team Inspired in London - is ensuring that he takes the positives from a formative world cup experience as he prepares for bigger and better things in the new year and beyond.

"Two fourths. It's disappointing, it's always nice to get on the podium but it's showing good signs towards world championships in February," he said.

"There were some big names here and hopefully when it comes to worlds and I'm feeling a bit better it'll be a different story.

"I think I'm in a really strong position at the moment building up towards Tokyo. It's been two hard years of training. It's about trying to make a name for yourself at the top of the list.

"So, it's all coming together, it just has to keep going in the direction it is, learn from the mistakes I made here. But overall all good."

It was the work of a Dutch duo who prevented Carlin from bagging a fourth Track World Cup medal of the season.

The experienced Theo Bos came through to pass Carlin in the final stages of the keirin, while it was time trial world champion Jeffrey Hoogland who edged out the youngster in the sprint after he had run eventual champion Harrie Lavreysen close in the semi-finals.

And it was defeat in the latter that Carlin was truly left to rue, having claimed a first-leg advantage over Lavreysen before the Dutchman fought back to reach the final.

"It was a tough day, I think everyone was suffering, not only me but the three riders on the podium were all feeling it today," he continued.

"It's been a long day and it's very rare that you get both the semis going to three rides and being so close.

"So, I think everyone was feeling the same, but some people have just got that little bit extra so the people on the podium are the rightful winners."

Sportsbeat 2018