Men's Points Race

 

2008 World Track Championships - Day 3

Riblon (France), Kiryienka (Belarus) and Schep of Holland on the podium.

 

An unusually turgid Men's Points Race went to the Belarus rider Vasili Kiryienka who only won one of the sprints, but who picked up a steady steam of points throughout the race.

 

Christophe Riblon was second but perhaps deserved more having produced the only serious attempt to gain a lap in the whole race. Going into the last few laps, he broke free and got within perhaps 50 metres of the back of the main field. At that point he stalled, but was able to hang on to claim the final 5 points and with it the silver medal.

 

Peter Schep of Holland won three sprints mid race in a burst of scoring, but couldn't maintain it and could only hang on for the bronze. GB's Mark Cavendish rarely looked troubled throughout the race, but was unable to get his score moving. Several other big names also found the going tough in what was a remarkably conservative race by virtually all the riders.

Vasili Kiryienka on the attack during his race where getting in the right breaks saw him amass the points required to win the title.

Frenchman Christophe Riblon  makes a medal winning move right at the end of the race.

Olympic points champion Ignatiev was active but failed to get the laps and finished 10th.

A rider in the points race gets a warning.

Early break in the Points race.

Mark Cavendish had a quite race.

Aussie Cameron Meyer constantly scored points but just failed to medal.

The Columbian had plenty of speed in the sprints and finished 7th.

Dutchman Peter Schep scoring points to clinch the bronze medal.

Defending champion Joan Llanneras was active but not the same rider he was at last years championships in Spain.

A large break formed at the end of the race and stayed away until the final few laps.