VIDEO: Ethan Hayter escapes a disaster as he slides off his saddle in the final of Track Pursuit at the Olympic Games

Ethan Hayter had a close call in the team pursuit final at the Paris Olympics. On the final lap, the 25-year-old Briton slid off his saddle and landed on the top tube of his bike. Incredibly, he managed to stay upright.

The final between Australia and Great Britain was evenly matched for a long time, but towards the end of the four-kilometre race it became clear that the ball would roll in Australia's direction.

The British also got the fright of their lives on the last lap when Hayter slid off his saddle and landed on the tube of his bike. For the INEOS Grenadiers rider it was most important to get his bike under control as quickly as possible to avoid a nasty crash.

And miraculously, he succeeded. Afterwards, he explained his near-accident in an interview with the BBC. Already with five laps to go, he felt the fatigue taking control over his body. "I had simply given too much," said the four-time world champion. "My whole body became weak and I could hardly keep myself on the bike. It's embarrassing to say that. Sorry to the other guys. We gave everything and we can be proud of that, that's what counts."