Pendleton and Burke winners on opening night

Victoria Pendleton and Steven Burke claimed the opening titles at the Great British Track Championships on Tuesday night in Manchester. Pendleton (Team Sky+ HD) claimed the women's 500m time trial ahead of Jess Varnish (Halesowen A & CC) and Rebecca James (Abergavenny Road Club). Burke (100% ME) rode to an impressive victory in the men's kilo ahead of Ed Clancy (Team Halfords Bikehut) and David Daniell (Cleveland Wheelers CC).

The women's 500m time trial ran to form with Pendleton edging out her younger rivals, Varnish and James, to take her seventh British title in the event. The Olympic gold medallist recorded a time of 34.262. A week out from the opening round of the International Cycling Union's (UCI) track World Cup, it was a satisfying result for the 29-year-old.

"I'm really pleased with today - this is the third or fourth best time I've ever done, and it's by far the fastest time I've put in at this stage in the year so I'm pleasantly surprised," said Pendleton after her victory. "Training for the World Cup starts today, so preparation is going ok! It's much better than I expected - I was expecting to do a mid to high 34. It's great to see Jess and Becky coming through and putting in good times tonight too - having these girls with me in training as they push me to train harder."

Steven Burke surprised himself with his win in the men's kilo. The 21-year-old had finished third in the 2008 British Championships, but this year was able edge out Halford's Ed Clancy by a tenth of a second. David Daniell finished in third, under a second behind the kilo champion.

"I really didn't expect a win tonight, I thought I'd come in third so I'm really shocked to win," said Burke afterwards. "I got everything out in the ride tonight - my preparation has gone really well and the work we've put in for the Team Pursuit has really helped me today."