Dundee cyclist Mark Stewart revealed that lifting the 1878 Cup on the first evening of Six Day London was the perfect birthday present for his mother.
Sunday’s action started well for Stewart in the scratch race as he finished second with Lasse-Norman Hansen the man taking victory after the Dane broke away from the peloton to steal an early lap.
With 16 laps to go both Netherlands’ Niki Terpstra and Stewart earned a lap but Hansen picked up another and held his lead to the end Stewart crossing for second and Terpstra third.
In the second race of the session there was another strong showing from Terpstra but again he was beaten to top spot as Denmark’s Michael Morkov pipped the Dutchman in a sprint to the line.
The third race – the long lap – saw Britain’s first winner of the competition with Stewart posting the fastest time to put himself in the title hunt heading into the final two events.
And the Scot established himself as the man to beat in the 500m time trial as he once again sprinted to victory in what was an electric atmosphere in the Lee Valley VeloPark.
That meant it was just the points race to go and, despite victory for Terpstra, Stewart held on to pole position and lifted the cup.
“It was my mum’s birthday yesterday so it’s a birthday present for her,” said Stewart. “I don’t see her that often because we live and train in Manchester away from our families.
“To win the 1878 Cup is really nice for my Mum, it’s a really nice surprise for her, I’m sure she’ll love it.
“I didn’t expect to win at all, I’ve never done a Six Day before so I didn’t come in with any expectations but it’s been a lot of fun.
“The atmosphere was absolutely breathtaking and the arena is fantastic. It feels like home and the crowd really does get you round when you’re in the red and you’re focused. All the noise you hear really keeps you going.”
* Six Day London is at Lee Valley VeloPark until October 23 – tickets now on sale at www.sixday.com. See the world’s best track cyclists in action and be part of an electric party atmosphere at London’s Olympic Velodrome.