THELWALL’S Aidan Collins got his season off to a flyer with victory in the opening round of the British Flat Track Championships at Rye House in Hertfordshire.

After two wins and a third place in his three heats, Collins roared ahead of his rivals in the final but a fall meant the race had to be re-started.

Even so, Collins led the field round the track and stayed in front until the chequered flag dropped.

The result means he leads the championship, with Alan Birtwistle second and Oliver Brindley third.

Collins now has a break before the next round of the competition, which is in Peterborough on May 13-14.