BOLTON’S Jason Kenny proved he is the brightest young star in British cycling by winning the men’s open sprint at the Track National Championships in Manchester – beating Sir Chris Hoy in the semi-finals.

The 22-year-old, who shot to fame when he won a gold and silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, beat his fellow Olympian in straight rides in the last four and went on to defeat Matt Crampton in the final and claim the top prize.

Hoy did take bronze, however, after a straight-rides win over Crampton’s semi-final victim David Daniell.

“It isn’t just about beating Chris but winning the whole thing,” said a delighted Kenny, pictured below.

“It dawned on me after the semi that I might actually win and I was thinking about the last time I had actually won anything and it seems such a long time ago so it’s really nice.”

Hoy was full of praise for his young competitor and admitted he was second best in the semi-final.

“I’m not overly disappointed but I am not the type of person who enjoys being beaten,” he said. “It’s just a bad day at the office really.

“This isn’t really an indication of what my form is right now.

“On the day, I was beaten by the better man and almost beaten by Dave and I take my hat off to the boys, they rode really well.”