The 2024 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (20-25 March), saw riders representing a record 39 countries chase the prestigious rainbow jerseys. Multiple world records were broken and medals were awarded to para-cyclists from 19 countries. Eight of those nations boast at least one 2024 UCI World Champion. With the Paris 2024 Paralympics looming, riders gave us their reactions…
Home glory
A large South American contingent included a popular Brazilian delegation that was in the medals from Day 2. Sabrina Custódia da Silva was surprised by her second place in Thursday’s WC2 500m time trial:
“I am very happy. It’s a very special feeling to win a medal in my country. I did not expect at all to win this medal because I did not have the time to do the correct training after my recent injury (broken collarbone).”
Brazilian Lauro Chaman also won silver on Thursday, in the MC5 4km individual pursuit:
“I am really happy. This is all thanks to the whole team who gives us all the support we need. I did not expect to win a medal in this race. Of course we work very hard, but the level is really high so you never know.”
Overcoming challenges and chasing dreams
France’s Heidi Gaugain gave it her all to win Friday’s WC5 3km individual pursuit:
“I was very emotional because the race was really hard. The last four laps, it was a real battle: I was late, I was early, I was late... Even if the time is pretty insignificant, I'm still really happy with the battle and I'll remember it for a long time.”
Jaco van Gass also claimed individual pursuit gold (MC3), overcoming his British compatriot Finlay Graham:
“It’s really something very special. I have always chased this individual pursuit title, and I lost count of how many times I came second. So, I am very happy, as I now have the title I have been chasing for a while.”
Australia’s Emily Petricola (WC4) returned from injury to claim her fifth consecutive individual pursuit UCI world title:
“It’s incredible. We had a training accident about a month ago, so I am really grateful. I was just cleared from a concussion about a week ago, so having the rainbow jersey now it’s very special.”
Demonstrating excellence
The Netherlands’ MB tandem, Tristan Bangma and pilot Patrick Bos, achieved new excellence on a familiar track:
“It felt amazing. A few laps to go I felt that we were going to win, but I also knew that we were well underway to a good time so we both kept pushing until the line. To break our own world record here in Rio where I became Paralympic Champion in 2016 is very special.”
Multiple UCI World Champion Ricardo Ten Argiles was a popular winner for Spain in the MC1-2 exhibition elimination race. Although no UCI world title was at stake in the demonstration of this format, it was enough to boost confidence after a competition where, despite second place in the scratch race and third in the omnium, victory had remained elusive.
“It has been a championship in which we have struggled to shine and to find our best version. The bunch races always suit me quite well, I am not the fastest rider, but we have the skill that is needed for this kind of race.”
Great Britain’s WB tandem of Elizabeth Jordan and pilot Dannielle Khan took victory in the individual pursuit, 1km time trial, and the sprint:
“It’s been really special, because we have recently been partnered up together. It’s really the start of my journey, so to finish with these results is really exciting. To come here and nail every single event, I am always like ‘pinch me’. We’re in disbelief.”
Looking toward Paris
There was no denying Kiwi Devon Briggs’ form in the MC3 time trial:
“I smashed three world records since I arrived here in Rio so I am really over the moon. Words can’t describe it, especially with this happening on the road to the Paris 2024 Paralympics.”
The significance of his C4 time trial win was not lost on Britain’s Jody Cundy:
“I had to really dig deep for that one. It’s been a tough year, but I knew that if I could dig deep, I could probably find what I needed to win and thankfully it was enough. The win feels really good, especially in a Paralympic year. It’s a nice step towards Paris 2024, so fingers crossed that I will be on the plane to go to Paris after the selection.”
Medal table
The final medal table sees Great Britain top with 13 gold medals, 14 silver and 5 bronze, ahead of China’s 13 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze (18), and third placed France with 12 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze.