20km Scratch

After taking a lap in the 80 lap, 20km Scratch race Mark Cavendish got a cheeky lead out from Madison partner and Team England’s Rob Hayles to win the first Gold medal for the Isle of Man in 40 odd years. Hayles was disqualified as a result, which was a bit harsh. Five riders had escaped including Scotland’s James McCallum. This effectively neutralised the race and what followed was a game of tactical chess for Cavendish as he had to mark counter attacks and policed the moves. He was never going to be beaten in the Sprint as the World Madison Champion took the final sprint easily, lead out or no. McCallum took a very well earned Bronze for Scotland.

Men’s 20km scratch race Final

1. Mark Cavendish (Isle Of Man) 23.05.540 (51.965km/h)
2. Ashley Hutchinson (Australia)
3. James McCallum (Scotland)
4. Timothy Gudsell (New Zealand)
5. Zack Bell (Canada)
6. Jonathan Matthew Bellis (Isle Of Man)
7. Evan Oliphant (Scotland)
8. Mark Kelly (Isle Of Man)
9. Martin Gilbert (Canada)
10. Greg Henderson (New Zealand)

Team Sprint

The Team Sprint was a far more exciting affair as once again Australia failed to make the final. It was always going to be tight and the rivalry between home nations added some extra spice into the final, but if there was ever a sign of the strength in depth of UK sprinters then this was it. Scotland took the verdict with Ross Edgar riding a superb series to match the power of Chris Hoy and Craig McClean.

Bronze Final
1. Australia 44.719 (60.377km/h)
Ryan Bayley
Shane Kelly
Shane Perkins

2 New Zealand 46.366 (58.232km/h)
Justin Grace
Nathan Seddon
Adam Stewart

1. Scotland 44.282 (60.973km/h)
Ross Edgar
Chris Hoy
Craig Maclean

2. England 44.309 (60.936km/h)
Matthew Crampton
Jason Queally
Jamie Staff

It’s been a great week for British Track riders and perhaps our finest display at a Commonwealth games. Add up all the medals and we came closer to Australia than they would like, perhaps this is a good sign for Bejing and beyond? Road events start later this week, so stay tuned…

Full results and medals table at: www.melbourne2006.com.au