Baxter becomes trackster

BAXTER BECOMES TRACKSTER

Among all the experienced riders haring around the Manchester boards for Revolution 26 at the weekend, there was one man making his competitive debut.

Former Olympic skier Alain Baxter was given a guest berth in the flying 200m sprint.

"It was pretty strange turning up at first not knowing anyone," he smiled. "I just made sure that I knew what was going on - like when I'm on!"

The Scot acquitted himself well too, clocking 11.6. "I don't think I embarrassed myself; I'm pretty happy with that, and just have to start figuring out what I'm going to do from here," he said.

The 35-year-old, who aims to get a spot on the Scottish track team for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, is currently finding it tough to put in the required track time, juggling family and skiing commitments.

For instance, he has work lined up in his original sport at Skiworld and as a BBC pundit for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

"To do it properly, I really need to make sure that I'm covered, so I can get my head down and get on with training. So, that's the next step," he said.

"Fingers crossed, I will do as much as I can," he added.

Revolution 26: Wiggins wins on track return

Above: Baxter in full flight in Manchester. Photos by Andy Jones

CERVELO UNVEILS NEW TEAM KIT

Admittedly this is not strictly ‘British news,' but as the team will feature three male British riders next year - Daniel Lloyd, Roger Hammond and Jeremy Hunt - as well as three female - Emma Pooley, Lizzie Armitstead and Sharon Laws - it is of at least some relevance.

The professional team replaces its white and black design and reverts back to something akin to the original black it launched with this year.

Principal performance improvements were developed based on new research in aerodynamics and enhanced body-temperature management.

Full story>>>

Above: Thor Hushovd models the new kit with Claudia Häusler

TURNING ON THE LIGHTS FOR NEW BIKE HUB

University students in Leeds will celebrate the opening of a new bike hub by turning on Christmas tree lights with the power of their pedals.

The hub will open on Wednesday (December 9) to support cycling and provide maintenance facilities to help students and staff at the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan to travel more actively.

The new bike hub on the main campus at the University of Leeds, is part of UTravelActive, a £1 million project with funding from The Big Lottery, the two universities, NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council, in partnership with Sustrans.  

In 2008, the project launched a successful bike hire scheme that expanded in size this year to meet student demand.  

UTravelActive project manager Lisa Brannan commented: "The new bike hub will be an excellent facility to further support the cycling needs of university students and staff.  

"It will provide a focal point for cycle maintenance, training, bike hire, cycle safety & route information and general advice on the best way to get around on two wheels."

GOLLA KICKS OFF IMPERIAL WINTER SERIES

Sigma Sport rider Steve Golla kicked off the Imperial Winter Series at Hillingdon on Saturday taking scalps in the E123 race ahead of Conor Dunne (Glendene CC) and Henry Furniss (Wyndy Milla).

The Imperial winter series runs for 12 weeks until February 13 2010.

See www.imperialracingteam.com for more details.

COLLINS CROWNED MIDLANDS ‘CROSS CHAMP

Dave Collins of the Hope Factory Racing team took honours in a muddy, wind-lashed Midlands Cyclo-Cross Championship yesterday (Sunday).

Collins finished almost two minutes clear of Phil Dixon in second, the latter having dominated much of the West Midlands events this year. Ben Eedy rounded off the podium to take third place at 2-56.

In the women's event, Louise Day (mother of Gabby Day) took the win for Team Fat Birds CC, finishing ahead of Lauren Creamer and Sarah Reynolds.