StephenMcNallyGoldPursuitEuroMastersWin

With a day remaining in Montichiari, Orwell’s intrepid duo of Aideen Collard and Stephen McNally have won three medals in the European Masters Track Championships.

McNally got the ball rolling when he won gold in his target event, the 3km Pursuit in the 45-49 year-old category on Tuesday evening, describing the experience as his “best moment in cycling.”

The reigning IVCA Omnium Champion had qualified fastest in a time of 3m33.801 seconds, fractionally under three seconds faster than his nearest rival, Britain’s Trevor Burke.

McNally then beat Burke in the final by just over 2.3 seconds in a time of 3m35.641s to secure Orwell's first ever gold medal in the European Championships .

"The final was the hardest pursuit ride I've ever done, it was so hard to even match Trevor for the first 2km, the legs still felt the effort of the qualifying run, given the short interval. This was my first indoor competition so hopefully there's scope for improvement, particularly on my lines.

"I've had great encouragement from many people but I'd like to say a special thank you to Aidan Ryan and Mark Kiely who helped with my training, and to Aideen Collard who kept me updated every lap during both rides and especially my family who have been very supportive throughout my training."

McNally followed up with a strong fifth place finish in the 750m Time Trial on Wednesday and got in the 10km Scratch Race on Thursday only to drop off the lead pace with breathing difficulties.

Clubmate Aideen Collard had netted a haul of two medals by the conclusion of activities on Thursday evening.

Having set a personal best on her way to fourth place in the 35-49 year old 500m Time Trial, a mere .085 seconds shy of a medal, the former European and World medallist produced a fine ride to qualify for the gold medal 2km Pursuit final.

Aideen and Stephen - Euro Masters 2011

In recording a time of 2m47.168s, she set a qualifying time within 2.8 seconds of multi-world champion Janet Birkmyre of Britain who went on to win the final.

Collard added to her pursuit silver when she took a terrific bronze medal in the Points Race, moving from fifth to third in the final sprint.

Collard is back in action on the final day where she will be hoping to her’s and Orwell’s haul in the 5km Scratch Race.

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