The Chinese cycling team is demanding an explanation from the sport's ruling body over their relegation to silver.

The Chinese pair, Guo Shuang and Gong Jinjie, beat their German rivals in the women's team pursuit final on Thursday, only to be relegated to second place. After reviewing the race video, the team say they didn't violate any rules.

China's coach, Daniel Morelon, says the referees have "robbed" them of a gold medal. The team's appeal has been rejected and they've been ordered to pay a fine of just over 200 dollars for intruding into the referees' area.

Pan Zhichen, the Chinese cycling team's chief has filed a written complaint to the President of the International Cycling Union, demanding an explanation and detailed evidence of any alleged violations.

Pan says the fine is unwarranted, as the team were escorted into the referees' area by officials of the International Cycling Union.