Cycling: Record-breaking Croall celebrates title treble at Newport

Capital cyclist Bruce Croall bagged a title treble and a world record at the British Masters Track Championships in Newport.

The City of Edinburgh rider took the honours in the individual sprint, after an impressive effort in qualifying, the 15-kilometre scratch and the kilometre time trial events. In the latter, he clocked a time of one minute 3.805 seconds.

That eclipsed the previous best for riders in the 30-34 age group held by Australian Steven Sansonetti, although Croall’s new record may not be ratified as a full doping control was not in place at the Welsh track.

Croall said: “I had a good couple of days with personal bests in qualifying and the kilo. To win the scratch race too was an unexpected bonus.”

Meanwhile, Evan Oliphant was thwarted in his bid to win the Beaumont Trophy for a second time. The 2006 champion featured in a two-man breakaway with Englishman Pete Williams in the 110-mile race near Newcastle. The pair built a lead of more than four minutes before being reeled in, with Russell Downing of Endura Racing winning and Oliphant finishing 12th for Team Raleigh.