Mark Cavendish of the Isle of
Man celebrates victory in the
Men's Scratch Race Final.
The Isle of Man has nabbed its first gold medal for 40 years thanks to an energetic performance by Mark Cavendish in the Men's Cycling Scratch Race.
Cavendish's performance saw Australia's Ashley Hutchinson take silver and James MacCallum from Scotland won bronze.
The 20-year-old World Madison Champion received the first gold medal for Isle of Man since the 1966 Commonwealth Games held in Kingston, Jamaica. Cavendish described his win as a "massive deal".
"It’s a great way to end the meet. This was always going to be my race,” he said. "I know the whole Island is behind me. It is big news.”
It took only 10 laps for Hutchinson and Cavendish to take the lead well ahead of the rest of the pack. Soon both riders, together with Timothy Gudsell, (New Zealand), MacCallum and Bell Zack from Canada, were a lap ahead, leaving the rest of the group out of medal contention.
Not only did Cavendish get the gold but he also ended Australia's reign in the event.
Australia was also pipped by Scotland, which won gold in the Men’s Team Pursuit cycling, edging out England with silver ahead of Australia in third place.
Scotland’s team of Ross Edgar, Chris Hoy and Craig Maclean recorded a time of 44.282 for the three lap sprint. England recorded a time of 44.309 and Australia 44.719 in defeating New Zealand.
After the race, Edgar described their time as “very fast”.
"I'm really happy, so happy. I can't really describe it. My family is here to see it. It's so fantastic."
For the latest results, visit the Schedules and Results section on this Website.