The squad of Martyn Irvine, Sean Downey, David McCann and Philip Lavery recorded a time of 4.22.669 to qualify for the bronze medal ride off, almost 10 seconds faster than the time of the fourth fastest qualifying team, India.

Earlier in the day Heather Wilson and Martyn Irvine were also in the thick of the action in their respective points race finals. Wilson took a lap along with four other riders which gained her 20 points mid way through her race. The Maryland Wheelers member was in the bronze medal position for part of the race, eventually ending the event in fifth, two points behind fourth.

Irvine meanwhile was unable to gain a lap but managed to pick up points in several sprints. Those riders who did gain a lap made up the top six, Irvine having to settle for seventh, one place below his position in the Individual Pursuit yesterday. Philip Lavery finished 17th.

Speaking following the morning session, team manager Cormac McCann said: “We had a great morning session with Heather Wilson getting fifth and Martyn Irvine seventh, a good ride this evening could see us riding for a bronze medal.” Following the disqualification of one of the pre race favourites, Wales because of two false starts, the Northern Ireland squad were assured of at least getting the opportunity to go for bronze tomorrow. With their much faster qualifying time, Northern Ireland will be the favourites when they compete against the host nation for the bronze medal tomorrow. They will attempt to equal the bronze medal winning Team Time Trial squad that the current team manager, Cormac McCann was a part of in 1986.

A bronze medal in the team pursuit would be quite an achievement for the squad. The lack of an indoor velodrome in Ireland has meant the team have been unable to specifically prepare for the event.

Commonwealth Games – Cycling Results 06/10/10

Men's Points Race Final
1. Cameron Meyer (Australia) 89
2. George Atkins (England) 52
3. Mark Christian (Isle of Man) 37

NI:
7. Martyn Irvine 13
17. Philip Lavery -19

Women's Points Race Final
1. Megan Dunn (Australia) 45
2. Lauren Ellis (New Zealand) 40
3. Tara Whitten (Canada) 36

NI:
5. Heather Wilson 22

Men’s Team Pursuit Qualifying
1. Australia 4.00.285
2. New Zealand 4.03.443
3. Northern Ireland 4.22.669
4. India 4.31.259