Crashes and disqualifications in cycling help open ‘The Pringle’

Olympic observers have long been speculating that the competition at the London Velodrome, affectionately known as "The Pringle" for its potato chip shape, would be the craziest of the Games. That proved true in the opening day of competition at the $150 million bicycling center.

[Photos: Olympic cycling]

Multiple world records, arguments, a disqualification of the hometown heroes and a nearly catastrophic fall all took place within the first 90 minutes of competition.

Phillip Hines had a mechanical problem on his bike and fell at the start of Great Britain's team sprint against Germany. They were allowed a virtual do-over and broke a world record.

Later, Great Britain's women's team, which had also broken a world record earlier in the day, was disqualified for an illegal pass.

The rider on the inside was not allowed to pass the rider on the outside before the white line. It led to a DQ and prevented Team Great Britain of a finals matchup with China.

And in case you were wondering why it's called The Pringle:

[Photos: Olympic venues]

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