Davis makes mark before losing to Olympic champ

Published on Thursday 18 September 2008 10:11

CAPITAL cyclist Jenny Davis was pipped in her bid for a medal in the women's sprint at the National Track Championships in Manchester last night.

But the City of Edinburgh rider made her mark on the competition before bowing out at the semi-final stage against Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton.

Davis, a former judo player who has now switched sports, was fourth fastest in qualifying. That booked a quarter-final match against her team-mate Charline Joiner, which Davis won 2-0.

Next up was Pendleton and, although she afforded Davis great respect, the English rider eased into the final where she beat her compatriot Anna Blyth to take the title.

Davis went head to head with Helen Scott in the bronze medal ride off, but it was the Halesowen rider who emerged victorious after two close rides, leaving Davis in fourth place. Meanwhile, Joiner won the minor final to clinch fifth place overall.

The men's sprint will be decided tonight, with Scottish champion Matt Haynes and his City of Edinburgh colleague Bruce Croall bidding to topple Great Britain squad members, while their teenage colleagues Toby Sherwood, Callum Skinner, Kevin Stewart and Jamie Bremner are also looking to make an impression.