CROSS KEYS teenager Sam Harrison won gold in his first Track Cycling World Cup in Beijing.

The 18-year-old was deputising for world champion Ed Clancy in the two-day omnium competition and he made the most of his chance.

Harrison’s 28-point total ensured that he beat second-placed Zachary Bell of Canada by two points and third-placed Roger Kluge of Germany by four points.

The former Cwmcarn Paragon star placed within the top ten of the six disciplines – flying lap (fifth), points race (sixth), elimination race (third), individual pursuit (second), scratch race (tenth) and kilo time trial (second).

Harrison, who won an omnium silver at the Junior World Championships last summer, came up through the Olympic Development Programme.

His success may see him progress to training with the senior squad sooner than planned.

Abergavenny’s Becky James also enjoyed success, pikcing up a bronze medal in the women's keirin.