Cycling: Cooke destroys field

British Olympic hopeful Nicole Cooke confirmed her recovery from a serious knee injury by laying waste to the rest of the field in the Celtic Manor British Road Race Championships in South Wales today.

The Welsh rider had been out of action for six weeks after undergoing surgery.

But there was no hint of rustiness as she left all but two other riders struggling to keep up with an attack on the first lap of the 108.6 kilometre course near Newport.

"It was great to turn the pedals in anger again," said the 20-year-old, who will start among the favourites for the women's road race in Athens.