Ards rider Martyn Irvine wins gold at UCI Track Cycling World Cup

Irish world scratch race champion Martyn Irvine was back to winning ways at the weekend, taking the points race at the Manchester World Cup with a powerful ride during the race and a strong sprint to the finish line. The Ards rider took a total of 20 points, beating Danish runner-up Lasse Norma Hansen, the Olympic Omnium champion, by three.

“I rode smart for the first half of the race, I didn’t want to race too much, but then I started to use my head,” he said.

“I looked around and other guys were grimacing more than me. I rolled off the front and got in the groove. A Spanish guy came across to me and we committed. It was all or nothing.”

Irvine was also seventh in the individual pursuit while Caroline Ryan was fifth in the women's race.
SHANE STOKES