Night on the town followed Belgian's 15th place in omnium
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Kenny De Ketele and Gijs Van Hoecke (BEL) were delighted with the win(Image credit: Mark Gunter)
Edward Clancy (Great Britain) and Gijs van Hoecke (Belgium) ride high on the banking during the omnium's 30km points race.(Image credit: Daniel Simms)
World Madison Champion Gijs Van Hoecke has been sent home from the London Olympic Games on Thursday after images of him stumbling down the street after a night out was circulated by the media.
The 20-year-old is being propped up by friends in the images.
Van Hoeck issued an apology but defended his right to party following his Olympic campaign.
"What happened is a pity. I am sorry, this should not have happened," Van Hoecke told RTBF television.
"But I also think that after two years of relentless work, I have the right to let my hair down. It would have been better if it had not happened here in London."
"That said, it was outside the Olympic Village and I didn't disturb the other athletes, they didn't notice anything," he said.
"I have not helped the image of track cycling either by my results or by my behaviour," he admitted. "If I am punished I will accept it".
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Van Hoeck finished 15th in the men's omnium standings.
