HERE are photographs of the Isle of Man's Mark Christian celebrating after winning his bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

It is the first medal won by the team in Delhi.

The 20-year-old from Douglas came third in the 40km men's points race.

In a mature display, that had the Manx supporters in the velodrome on the edge of their seats, Mark took a few points in the early sprints before joining a group of four others who managed to lap the main bunch.

This put Mark into second place before the eventual Gold medallist - World Champion Cameron Meyer of Australia - got another lap on the field along with Goerge Atkins of England.

That put Mark into third and from there to the finish he was locked in a battle with Sam Harrison of Wales for the bronze.
 
Eventually going into the final sprint, on the last of 160 laps, they were tied but Mark just managed to edge the Welshman on the line.
 
Team mate Chris Whorrall picked up some early sprint points, but once Mark had got his lap, he sacrificed his race to support Mark.
 
Both riders will contest the heats of the Scratch Race tomorrow ahead of the final on Friday.

David Cretney MHK Minister for Community Culture and Leisure has expressed his delight on behalf of everyone in the Isle of Man. 

He said: "I know Mark and his family very well and it is a fabulous result which is so well deserved.

"I know how hard he and so many others work to reach this level of excellence in their chosen sport and it is amazing that our little Island can consistently produce such fine sportsmen and women.

"Well done Mark we are all very proud of you and the rest of Team Isle of Man!"

Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK also offered his congratulations. He said: "Well done to Mark for achieving such a wonderful result. It's great to see the Isle of Man on the medals table and I know the whole Island will be very proud of his success.

"Mark's bronze medal once again demonstrates the fantastic depth of sporting talent we have here in the Island."