WESTHOUGHTON track cyclist Graham Wilman only took up track cycling two years ago, but already this budding sprinter has gained a silver medal at National level in the 750m time trial at the recent national championships held at the Manchester Velodrome.

Just turned 40, Graham rode in the Masters category, and was only narrowly beaten by ex-international and former elite national champion Steve Paulding.

The national championships were rather a mixed success for the Wilman family as Graham's 10 year old daughter Joanne narrowly missed the gold medal for U14 girls, but gained a superb ninth place in the open races for U14s with the boys.

Proud Graham had a lot to think about: "Joanne was really fired up for the gold medal, but she was beaten by a fraction by a girl two years older. She'll do well next year I'm sure. The judges awarded Joanne a special prize for the 'Best sprint of the day' -- her spectacular riding had the huge crowd on their feet at one point. If I had ridden as well as that I wouldn't have been out-manoeuvred in the sprint event I rode!"

Mr Wilman rides for the hugely successful Yasumitsu-Schlapp track club who have gained 10 track national medals including two titles and a world record in their first year. "I'm one of the club's six coaches and we take great pride in the fact that not one of the team had gained national honours before joining the club." Graham said with obvious pride.

Now Graham and his Yasumitsu-Schlapp club are preparing for the World Masters Track Championships to be held at the Manchester Velodrome in October. And while dad puts in his preparations, daughter Joanne will bide her time for when she steps onto the winner's podium -- as she surely will.