Ireland’s Irvine wins gold in Track Cycling World Championships

Ireland’s Martyn Irvine claimed two medals in an hour – the second of them gold in the men’s scratch race – at the Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk.

The 27-year-old from Newtownards was second in the four-kilometre individual pursuit and had time to receive his medal, change his race numbers and return to the bike before his gold success.

Irvine accelerated clear of the field with 10 laps to go of the 60-lap (15km) race and held off his rivals in the finale to win.

Irvine's win was Ireland's first gold medal in modern World Championships, but Henry Reynolds did win a title in 1896.

“I’m not sure it’s hit me yet. I don’t know what to say,” Irvine said. “Once I went, it was all or nothing. I didn’t look back. It was full gas. I saw a shadow on my hip with two laps to go and I just dug a bit more.

“I was waiting for a crowd of people to pass me, but they never did and I’m looking forward to seeing the video.”