Pendleton picks up ninth consecutive sprint title

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British national track champs 2010 photo gallery by Andy Jones>>

Victoria Pendleton claimed her ninth successive national title in the women's sprint on Thursday evening in Manchester.

In the women's individual pursuit, Olympic silver medallist Wendy Houvenaghel qualified eight seconds faster than closest challenger Sarah Storey and comfortably dispatched her rival in the final, clocking 3-30-612 after a late pass.

It is the fastest time ever recorded over the distance at the national championships, which bodes well for the Northern Irish woman's forthcoming individual pursuit challenge in New Delhi.

Academy rider George Atkins was the last-gasp winner of a gruelling men's points race, taking victory by winning the final sprint against Simon Yates (Maxgear RT).

Though tied on 44 points, his superior finish clinched the title. It was a second silver for world junior madison champion Yates, following Tuesday night's scratch race result, but a maiden senior title can't be far off for the precocious 18-year-old.

Bruce Croall (City of Edinburgh RC) won the men's kilometre time-trial, just dipping under 65 seconds. Andrew Kelly and Ieuan Williams were second and third.

Pendleton shakes hands with her fellow competitor



Pendleton shakes hands after another heat win

Related links

National track champs gallery by Andy Jones

National track champs, day two: Kennaugh takes scratch raceNational track champs, day one: Pendleton wins 25th national title with 500m successNational track champs 2010 resultsNational track champs: the winners since 1995

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