COLCHESTER’S Chris Welham was left riding on the crest of a wave following his first taste of the World Masters Track Cycling Championships.

The 52-year-old has only been velodrome cycling for a year and was made his debut in the competition, after booking his place in the men’s sprint (50 to 54 age category) in February.

The event took place last weekend at the Manchester Velodrome.

And Welham shone in his first heat, leading for most of the way before being edged out on the home straight and finishing third.

He then suffered a collision in his second race which left him down the field. However, he said that overall the experience was “amazing” and one of the best things he has ever done.

“It was a real learning curve and a very enjoyable experience,” said the HGV lorry driver, who was previously a highly-successful motorcycle rider and had not set foot in a velodrome until April 2014.

“It was the first time I’d competed on the world stage and in a velodrome, so I was very happy with my performance.

“To do so well made me realise I’m better than I think I am.

“My ambition when I started doing this was just to qualify to compete. Anything else was just a bonus, so I was amazed to do so well.

“I felt really comfortable and it didn’t faze me at all.

“It was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I found it easier than I thought I would to adjust to the environment.”

Welham, who has set his sights set on becoming world champion one day, made a blistering start in his opening race and led for two and a half of the three lads, before being pipped on the final straight and finishing third.

He then suffered a collision in his next heat race.

Although he managed to stay on his bike, he lost momentum and finished down the field. I could have won the first race, so while it was disappointing to finish third it was still a big achievement for me,” said Welham, who already has a world ranking in the top 20.

“The pace was quite ferocious but that’s the only way I’m going to learn at that level.

“I picked up a cold halfway through last week and it certainly affected me on the day.

“But I didn’t feel nervous and just enjoyed it.

“It was amazing and felt very natural.

“The organisers were surprised that it was my first race and found it hard to believe.”