Podium joy for cyclist Chisholm

CAPITAL cyclist Alison Chisholm rose to the occasion in last night's opening session of the National Track Championships in Manchester, securing a podium finish in the women's 500 metres time trial.

Although Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton opted out of the event, Chisholm still faced a tough challenge against Great Britain squad member Anna Blyth (VC St Raphael) and other strong riders.

Chisholm was undaunted and produced a fine performance to clock 37.898 seconds and clinch the bronze medal behind Blyth and Helen Scott of Halesowen.

However, the men's kilometre time trial proved to be a disappointment for City of Edinburgh star Bruce Croall. Starved of training time due to the unavailability of Meadowbank during the recent wet spell, Croall was short of his best and had to settle for sixth place in 1 minute 5.721 seconds.

That left him more than two seconds adrift of GB squad men Matt Crampton, who took gold in 1:03.103, and Olympic silver medallist Steven Burke and David Daniell, who were second and third. Scot Craig MacLean was fourth.

Croall now switches focus to later in the week when he hopes to challenge for medals in the individual sprint, team sprint and the Keirin.