Amy Cure had a world championship gold medal ripped from her grasp on Thursday after a remarkable fightback from the US in the final of the women’s team pursuit.

With just one lap remaining in an enthralling 16-lap final, Cure and teammates Ashlee Ankudinoff, Rebecca Wiasak and Alexandra Manly were poised for victory, leading by almost half a second in Hong Kong during day two of the UCI track world championships.

But Chloe Dygert drove the Americans home to steal victory from the Australians.

Despite the heartbreak of the final there were still plenty of reasons for the Cure and her squad to smile.

Thursday delivered the fourth career team pursuit world championship medal for the 24-year-old from West Pine, and this one is one that has plenty of significance.