Juan Esteban Curuchet and Walter Fernando Perez of Argentina celebrate after winning the Men’s Madison of the cycling-track event during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Laoshan Velodrome in Beijing, China, Aug. 19, 2008. Juan Esteban Curuchet and Walter Fernando Perez of Argentina won the gold medal. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

Juan Esteban Curuchet and Walter Fernando Perez of Argentina ride in the Men’s Madison of the cycling-track event during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Laoshan Velodrome in Beijing, China, Aug. 19, 2008. Juan Esteban Curuchet and Walter Fernando Perez of Argentina won the gold medal.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Britain's gold haul at the Laoshan Velodrome was stopped here Tuesday, with Argentina clinching the gold in men's madison competition at the Beijing Olympic Games.

    Juan Esteban Curuchet and Walter Fernando Perez burst into ecstatic tears after winning the first cycling gold for Argentina.

    After an exhausting 50-kilometer race, they held their national flag along the track, where they achieved the most glamorous glory in their career.

    Curuchet, a 43-year-old veteran, finished No.9 in men's madison at Athens, pairing up with 33-year-old Perez, and No.7 at Sydney.

    Pre-games favorites Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins from Britain didn't live up with expections, finishing the race at an awkward No.9 place among total 16 teams.