Report & Images: Larry Hickmott & Andy Whitehouse

Nights drawing in, a chill in the air and a packed velodrome stoked with anticipation -- it can only be the return of the Revolution! The first event for the 2007-08 series (number 17) event kicked off with a intro sequence which underlined the international flavour of the event and its continued capacity to draw in the big names. As the line-up was introduced, including riders from the USA, Italy, Great Britain and Spain, the biggest round of applause rang out for the homegrown talents of Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas, who've both had awesome seasons this year on the road as first year professionals.

Elite Men 15km Scratch

The endurance guys were back on the track for their final chance to impress the crowds of Revolution 17 and set a blistering early pace. Newton and Thomas went clear first upping the pace to around breakneck levels. The biggest question was how they were going to keep it up for another 40-odd laps. A quartet of O'Loughlin, Newton, Backstedt and Friedman broke away, riding like a team pursuit squad.

The awesome foursome gained a lap on the field. Next to go were Clancy and two others, stringing out the field. At 3 to go, all lapped riders were asked to leave the track ahead of a showdown for the breakaway quartet. Newton looked assured from the outset and took a fine victory. Backstedt stole his limelight by stripping off his Swedish champs jersey and throwing it into the crowd. While Liquigas' Chicci did a similar kit giveaway at the rail.

1. Chris Newton Recycling.co.uk
2. David O'Loughlin Pezula Racing
3. Mike Friedman USA
4. Magnus Backstedt Liquigas
Time: 17.23.721

Elite Men 10km Points Race

The endurance guys were back on the track after a thriller in the opening event. In the mix were Chris Newton fresh from his National Championships win.

Sprint 1 was taken by Magnier of Brooks cycles after a thunderous leadout by Backstedt. Newton attacked straight after the sprint taking advantage of tired legs and tested the form of the peleton. Six went clear including Cavendish, Newton and USA rider Colby Pierce, well placed in the overall standings. Newton's initial attack blew the field to bits.

The breakaway group swelled to seven and promptly gained a lap putting Pierce in the lead with the last sprint to contest. Newton raised the tempo but at the bell Clancy and Pierce got ahead with Clancy taking the final sprint, followed by Pierce, who took the overall win.

1. Colby Pierce USA
2. Ed Clancy Landbouwkrediet
3. Chris Newton Recycling.co.uk
4. Mike Friedman USA
5. Paul Helion Pezula Racing
6. Mark Cavendish T-Mobile
7. David O'Loughlin Pezula Racing
8. Andy Magnier Brookes Cycles
9. Tom Skubala CC Cardiff
10. Stefan Steinweg Germany
Time: 11.23.107