Team GB have been disqualified from the final of the women's team sprint at the Velodrome for an illegal changeover between Victoria Pendleton and Jess Varnish.

Britain were set to face China in the final having broken the world record before being bettered by the Chinese in the qualifying heat. Germany will take Britain's place in the final.

After lengthy discussions between officials and British cycling's performance director Dave Brailsford, it was finally announced that the British team had been relegated and will not contest a medal ride. Boos rang out around the arena when the decision was made, but the officials would not be swayed.

"We have never really had an illegal change before, so it's not something we've been too concerned about but it's something that happens," said Pendleton. "It's not Jess's fault or my fault. We are both partly to blame.

"We were probably a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing and a bit too eager. It's just one of those things.

"Now and again rubbish things happen and it is one of those days. We were very pleased with our time. We were hoping to go a bit faster in the final."

Chris Boardman, the Olympic gold medallist and BBC pundit said: "I was watching the change and Vicky was coming through pretty fast. They are not allowed to overtake. They're trying to make it fair for everyone, the rules are the rules."

Pendleton will race in the keirin event on Friday and will also compete in the individual sprint, whereas Varnish's Games are now over. "I am 100% sure Jess will go to Rio and absolutely smash it," said Pendleton.

British hopes now rest on the shoulders of Sir Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes in the men's event.