Crook faces tough task to hold on to track title

CAPITAL cyclist Ross Crook faces a tough task when he goes to the line to defend his Scottish 15 kilometre track title at Caird Park, Dundee, tomorrow.

The Edinburgh Road Club man was a surprise winner when he landed his first crown at the age of 35 last year.

And, although he has been coming into form at the right time, with good performances in the DHL Edinburgh Grand Prix and recent league outings, he knows he will need to be at his best to retain the title.

Among the other names on the programme are Commonwealth Games bronze medallist James McCallum – a previous winner – and his Plowman Craven team-mate Evan Oliphant, runner up to Crook last year.

Crook's female colleagues Ali Chisholm and Maddy Robinson should both be contenders in the women's 10km championship.

Meanwhile, Capital track star Chris Hoy has been confirmed in the Great Britain squad for the Olympics in Beijing.

The 32- year-old will bid for a treble in the team sprint, individual sprint and Keirin.

Hoy is one of two Scots in the team, being joined by Ross Edgar, but there is no place for his long-time training partner Craig MacLean.