Great Britain takes big medal haul at home

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Ten new world records out of a possible 24 were established during the three competition days of the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships held in Manchester, Great Britain. Living up to expectations, Great Britain reiterated its domination on the track by winning a total of 14 medals, of which 10 were gold.

We should of course not forget the American delegation, which came away from the Worlds with 11 medals, including five gold.

Americain Jennifer Schubble climbed onto the podium’s highest step at the end of the 500m time trial in the LC2-CP4 combined class, which she finished under the previous world record time she established during the Beijing Paralympics Games. Her compatriots Karissa Whitsell (B&VI) and Mackenzie Woodring (PLT) took gold and also established a new world record in the tandem pursuit.

British athletes have once more demonstrated their savoir-faire in front of their supporters. The pair composed of Neil Fachie (B&VI) and Richard Storey (PLT) set a new world record during the tandem’s sprint qualifications before winning the final. At the end of the time trial, Sarah Storey (LC1) claimed her second rainbow jersey. Finally, Mark Bristow (LC1), Jody Cundy (LC2) and Darren Kenny (CP3) combined their efforts for the last event of the championships to win the team sprint.

Paula Tesoriero was champion of the 500m LC3-4-CP3’s event. The New Zealand rider also improved her own world record.

Germany, Spain and the Czech Republic also did very well during the Worlds, winning 12, eight and five medals respectively.

In light of the performances and the many broken records, we can without doubt be very optimistic with regards to the future of para-cycling.

The next UCI Road and Track World Championships will exceptionally take place in the same country. Colombia will be hosting the Worlds from July 29 to August 8 2010. The first Para-cycling Road World Cup will begin in 2010, while the Track World Cup should normally start up in 2011.