Hoy snatches win to keep treble alive

Capital cycling star Sir Chris Hoy landed the first leg of a potential treble when he snatch victory on the line in the Keirin at the British Track Championships in Manchester last night.

The 35-year-old Scot judged his finish to perfection, powering past his rivals in the final 30 meters to take gold ahead of youngsters David Daniell and Philip Hindes.

Hoy was untroubled in progressing through his heat and semi final to seal his spot in the final against a field featuring three Olympic medallists. Among them was defending champion and Hoy’s fellow Scot Ross Edgar, who struggled in his heat but moved into the semi final via the repechage. However, he finished sixth in the final.

Meanwhile, Emma Baird was top Scot In the women’s sprint. After exiting at the quarter final stage along with her City of Edinburgh club mate Jenny Davis, Baird finished second in the minor final for sixth place overall. Welsh youngster Beccy James took the gold although her path to success was made easier by the withdrawal of Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton.