Chris Whorrall and Mark Christian at the Veledrome in Delhi

Mark Christian has said he was "over the moon" to have won the Isle of Man's first medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The 20-year-old cyclist claimed the bronze medal in Wednesday's 40km points race with help from fellow Manxman Chris Whorrall.

The Under-23 British Cycling Academy rider said: "It's sinking in now.

"Someone said it's the fourth ever cycling medal for the Island and that's really something."

"I knew the race would be decided by someone getting a lap, so that was my plan - get onto the right train and get a lap."

After the early sprints both Christian and Whorrall had picked up points.

When the decisive break went, Christian managed to latch on and after some exceptionally quick laps, the group including eventual winner, Cameron Meyer rejoined the main group.

Christian is a member of the Under-23 British Cycling Academy

In lapping the bunch, the five riders got 20 extra points, and Christian was elevated to second place.

He continued: "After we got the lap, which was much earlier than I thought it would be, I was hanging on. I was really in the red."

Whorrall, 19, added: "As soon as the lap went and I knew Mark was in with a chance - I was just out to help him.

"I could see that he was really struggling, so I was doing all I could.

As the laps reduced, Meyer managed to lap the field once more, again accompanied by England's Atkins, which moved Christian into a battle for bronze.

The Manx rider was in third but Welshman Sam Harrison managed to score enough points to draw level with 20 laps and two sprints left.

"I'd had a few glances up at the big screen, and I knew the score," he said. "I just had to stay ahead of Sam [Harrison]. Chris led me out and I buried myself to cross the line ahead."

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