Another birthday present in the pipeline for Croall

CAPITAL cycling star Bruce Croall returned home from his latest successful trip south, seeking confirmation over whether he is now a world record holder.

The City of Edinburgh rider recently celebrated his 30th birthday, meaning he now qualifies as a masters rider.

And he marked the occasion in style with a gold medal at the British Masters Track Championships in Newport.

The Capital man posted a personal best of one minute four seconds as he powered his way to victory in the kilometre time trial. That performance had officials scurrying for the record books and Croall will learn shortly if that makes him the fastest man in the world for his age.

Scottish riders had a successful weekend and among the others who chalked up podium finishes was Alison Chisholm (Edinburgh RC) who clinched silver in the women's sprint.

Meanwhile, on the roads, Evan Oliphant (Plowman Craven) bounced back from a series of disappointing results to finish fifth in yesterday's Blackpool Grand Prix. The Scot was again forced to yield to Russell Downing (Pinarello RT), who has had the edge on Oliphant so far this season and extended his overall lead in the British Cycling Premier Calendar Series with his latest victory.