Richard Moore: Wiggins gives Baxter the nod

Published on Sunday 6 December 2009 00:31

ALAIN Baxter made his competitive debut as a cyclist last night, entering the unfamiliar and cauldron-like environment of the Manchester Velodrome to take on a field of international quality. The former skier rode one event, the 200 metres flying time trial, and, as if the occasion was not already fraught enough, he was the first rider to go, in the first event of the evening.

Yet, as no less an authority than the watching Bradley Wiggins observed, Baxter looked a natural. Over three laps he steadily increased his pace, hugging the top of the track until, 50 metres before his timed effort began, he swooped down the banking and sped around the 200m. His time of 11.607 seconds was respectable, though a little off the pace of the winner, Matt Crampton, whose 10.31 seconds was a fraction faster than Scotland's Ross Edgar, with another Scot, Craig MacLean, third.

Afterwards, Baxter admitted it had been a nerve-jangling experience. "I was straight in there, it was a big crowd, and it's amazing how close they are to you," said the 35-year-old, who retired from skiing at the end of last season and had his first taste of track cycling in June, at Meadowbank Velodrome in Edinburgh.

"I'm a little disappointed with my time," he admitted. "If I'd gone three or four tenths (of a second] quicker I'd have been happier. But it's a first effort. It's quite technical, and I was working with Craig (MacLean] yesterday to improve in that area. I think I did better tonight, but the last 70 metres weren't as punchy as they could have been. There was a bit missing there."

MacLean, who used to train with Baxter when the two were teenagers and near neighbours in Speyside, has been assisting Baxter since he decided to attempt the switch to cycling.

Baxter's stated ambition is to challenge for selection for the Scottish team for next year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where he could line up alongside Edgar and Sir Chris Hoy in a Scotland team that will defend the team sprint title. Ironically – given that he is clearly in good form – MacLean will not be eligible, having announced his retirement from international competition to become a tandem pilot for a visually impaired athlete at the Paralympics.

Baxter said last night he will now give careful thought to his next step. "I'd like to do another one," he said. "I want to try and improve. If I could come down to Manchester and get a good block of training in, that would help. It's only my fifth time on the track.

"I'm going to sleep on it. I'll speak to some coaches, get some feedback and discuss some options. I've got other commitments as well, so it's difficult, but I need more experience and I'd love to have another go."

"It's been good," he added. "I've enjoyed it. I'm a bit disappointed with the time but if you weren't competitive, what would be the point?"

It came as a culture shock, he admitted, after so many years at the top of the skiing world. "It's a lot quicker than a ski race," said Baxter. "There are four bends instead of 60. But it's the same in that, if you do the smallest things wrong, it costs you so much. There are little things I did wrong, where I can improve.

"It was strange arriving here with my bike, my (warm up] rollers and my bag, and not really knowing what to do, or where to go. I was nervous. When Craig arrived, I relaxed a lot. He's been a big help the last few months."

Perhaps he could return the favour. "I've got him some skis," smiled Baxter.