Hammer’s victory comes in her first World Cup since a one-year hiatus from cycling. Hammer, 22, lapped the field with China’s Yan Li to claim a majority of her points. Hammer will ride in the women’s pursuit in Saturday’s competition.

Teammate Becky Quinn (Quakertown, Pa.) consistently finished in the top four during the points race sprints, placing her sixth overall.

Michael Blatchford (Veloworx / Cypress, Calif.) and Kevin Belz (CKR Racing /Irving, Texas) will ride in the men’s sprint on Saturday. Competition continues through Sunday. Full results from the UCI Track Cycling World Cup can be found at http://www.tissottiming.com/sports/cycling/track/classics2005_manchester/index.htm.

Points gained in the UCI Track Cycling World Cup have a major bearing on qualification for the World Championships and Olympic Games. Each round comprises 14 disciplines – eight for men and six for women. More information about UCI World Cup Track Cycling events can be found at http://www.uci.ch/modello.asp?1stLevelID=BB&level1=0&level2=0&idnews=3471.

About USA Cycling

Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 54,000 members and 2,000 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information visit www.usacycling.org or contact, USA Cycling Director of Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.