A packed house at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester witnessed Mark Cavendish's return to the track for the first time since the 2009 World Championships. The sold-out Revolution 34 had an electric atmosphere, with Team UK Youth flourishing and leaping to a commanding lead in the Revolution Championship on the night.
This Revolution featured one of the strongest endurance line up in recent times. The opening event of the night saw Steven Burke of Team UK Youth pull out an impressive win in the Motor Paced Scratch Endurance Race.
Rapha Condor Sharp's Ed Clancy and Andrew Tennant were victorious in the 1km Madison Time Trial, with the team also taking the spoils in the Team Elimination race.
Team Sky's Peter Kennaugh won the intriguing Australian Pursuit. But it was the Scratch Race which really got the crowd going; early breaks by Team Sky's Geraint Thomas and Alex Dowsett looked promising, but World Champion Mark Cavendish positioned himself perfectly to execute a win from the front.
In a poignant moment at the National Cycling Centre, the historic career of Revolution-favourite Rob Hayles was recognised, with the recently-retired British rider receiving a standing ovation from the 4,000-strong crowd. Hayles was joined by the elite riders and friend Mark Cavendish, who showed their appreciation to a fantastic career.
There was no doubt who the fans were most excited to see at Revolution 34, with Mark Cavendish getting the huge crowds out of their seats time and again. Speaking on his return to the track, Cavendish said: "It's good to be back, I've missed it! The Revolution was hard; more intense than what I'm used to at this time of year. The reception I had was amazing. It's packed here again tonight, and it's great."
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Cavendish continued: "It's nice to race at your home velodrome. It all started off here, so it's good to come back."
In the Revolution Sprint Omnium, David Daniell continued his form from Revolution 33 and took the win. He also took an emphatic victory at the final event, the 500m Time Trial.
In the DHL Future Stars, Emily Kay further-proved her dominance in the Girls' event, and maintains her overall lead. In the Boys' events, Jake Ragen moved up the standings and took the overall lead.
Team UK Youth's win from Steven Burke and consistent performances throughout the night means that they lead the Revolution Championship with 314 points, ahead of Rouleur with 293.
Those who missed Revolution 34 will be able to watch the hour-long highlights packaged, featuring Mark Cavendish, shown on Monday 21st November on ITV4 at 7pm.
Mark Cavendish is welcomed by the sell-out Revolution crowd
Mark Cavendish and Peta Todd
Mark Cavendish wins the scratch race
Mark Cavendish interviewed by Rob Hayles and Ned Boulting
DHL Future Stars winners
Rob Hayles' retirement presentation
Geraint Thomas
Rouleur team crash
Peter Kennaugh and Alex Dowsett
Magnus Backstedt leads Geraint Thomas
Related links
Revolution 34 photo gallery by Andy Jones
Star-studded line-up at 'best ever' Revolution
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