Comeback man Hoy takes maiden national sprint title
Cycling Weekly's gallery from day three at the national track championships>>>
Back on the track after missing the end of last season with a hip injury, the Olympic champion wasted no time in showing that he is back to full fitness last night in Manchester. Hoy saw off a star-studded men's sprint field to claim victory.
Oddly - for a 33-year-old champion who has taken track accolades across the board - it is Hoy's first elite national sprint title, having secured silver and bronze medals in the past.
After qualifying fastest, setting a new track record with his ride of 9.99, Hoy had no problems dispatching of Matt Crampton in the gold medal ride-off, after the 23-year-old overcame Jason Kenny in a hard-fought semi final.
However, Olympic silver medallist Kenny did secure the bronze medal, outgunning Great Britain team-mate Ross Edgar.
Men's individual pursuit
Geraint Thomas won the men's individual pursuit, comfortably beating Halfords Bikehut man Andy Tennant. Ben Swift showed that he has found his track legs by overcoming Stephen Burke to take the bronze medal.
Putting a road season riddled with bad luck behind him, Welshman Thomas was always in command in the final, repeating his authoritative qualifying ride of 4-18 to claim a first senior title.
To put his rides in perspective, the times would have been good enough to claim silver at the Beijing Olympics.
"It's not bad," commented Thomas modestly. "I was pleased that the final was much smoother too, though I had nothing left over the last two laps."
Thomas added that he was looking forward to Manchester and believes that he can go even quicker.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I can't wait to get there and try to knock out some fast times again," he said tenaciously.
Women's scratch race
Track starlet Lizzie Armitstead triumphed in the women's scratch race.
In a cagey event,the Lotto Belisol lady repeatedly tried to escape, but could not avoid a bunch sprint ending.
Undeterred, the world team pursuit champion wound things up on the bell lap to hold off her closest challengers.
Individual pursuit runner-up Hannah Mayho (100% Me) had to settle for another silver medal, while Dani King (Vision 1 Racing) took the bronze.
Ross Edgar and Chris Hoy go head to head at the British national track championships in Manchester.
Lizzie Armitstead is joined by Hannah Mayho (left) and Dani King (right) on the podium for the women's scratch race at the track championships.
Results
British Track National Championships 2009: Men's sprint
1. Chris Hoy (Team Sky+ HD)
2. Matt Crampton (Science in Sport)
3. Jason Kenny (Team Sky+ HD)
4. Ross Edgar (Team Sky+ HD)
Men's individual pursuit
Bronze medal race
Ben Swift (Team Katusha) 4-29.138 beat Steven Burke (100% ME) 4-31.827
Gold medal race
Geraint Thomas (Barloworld) 4-18.418 beat Andrew Tennant (Team Halfords Bikehut) 4-24.943
Results
1. Geraint Thomas (Barloworld)
2. Andrew Tennant (Team Halfords Bikehut)
3. Ben Swift (Team Katusha)
4. Steven Burke (100% ME)
5. Alex Dowsett (100% ME) 4-34.091
6. Andrew Fenn (100% ME) 4-34.911
7. Adam Duggleby (Shorter Rochford) 4-40.671
8. Andrew Magnier (Planet X) 4-43.712
Eliminated
9. Tim Kennaugh (Team Manx Telecom) 4-43.342
10. Arthur Doyle (Dooley's CRT) 4-44.073
Women's scratch race
1. Lizzie Armitstead (Lotto-Belisol)
2. Hannah Mayho (100% ME)
3. Dani King (Vision 1 Racing)
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
‘I am in love with Unbound Gravel’ - new documentary celebrates three unsung and behind-the-scenes heroes of race
Shimano's new documentary 'Unsung' shares the stories of three "behind-the-scenes" people who make Unbound Gravel happen each year: a sports photographer, a bike mechanic, and an event organizer.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
'One of the boys thinks I’ll be walking about in armour': Mark Cavendish knighted in ceremony at Windsor Castle
Manxman says he was “nervous” after being made a Knight Commander by Prince William
By Tom Thewlis Published