Cycling: Capital duo in fine shape for Grand Prix

Published on Wednesday 10 June 2009 10:08

CAPITAL cyclists David Martin and Nicky Hall laid down markers ahead of this weekend's Edinburgh Grand Prix when both boosted their title challenge in last night's round of the DHL Meadowbank National Track League.

City of Edinburgh man Hall, narrowed the gap on current leader Bruce Croall, who was an absentee, with wins in the 15-lap scratch and the ten kilometre points race, as well as taking bonus points in the course des primes and Italian Pursuit.

Meanwhile, Martin, riding for the Bicycleworks.com team, showed that he is returning to his best form with wins in the course des primes and Italian Pursuit, plus third-place finishes in the 15-lap event and ten kilometre points race.

There was healthy competition in the youths league with wins for Edinburgh Racers youngsters Sean Noon and Rosie Yeats, as well as Rhuri Mair and Cameron Balfour of Peebles, who got the better of his brother Stuart in the Devil Take the Hindmost and took the honours in the youths course des primes.

Local riders will be looking to capitalise on their good form over the weekend, when their stiffest test looks likely to come from Dutch and Irish competitors.