2009 UCI Paracycling World Road Championships - Day 4

September 12, 2009; Bogogno, Italy; by Barney Storey

Report - DAY 4 - Morning session

GB's day 4 heroes - Sarah Storey, Darren Kenny & Rik Waddon

Great Britain had a fantastic start to Day 4 with 2 gold medals. The first gold medal was for Sarah Storey in the LC1 Women's road race and also Darren Kenny in the CP3 Men's road race.

The reaction of the team was clear to see, with these two victories being very pleasing for all.

The Women's road race was an early start, with the riders setting off in slightly colder conditions than the past few days, but the weather soon warmed up just as the racing did too! The women's race was 6 laps of the 9.7km circuit, with the final climb playing a significant part before they descended back towards Bogogno and the last few tricky corners. Sarah Storey her legs on the first ascent and then attacked properly on lap 2 of the race up the climb, with the bunch unable to match her speed. This then left Sarah alone for the remaining 4 laps of the race. Despite a valiant chase from two chasers from USA and Australia, Sarah gradually built her lead lap by lap, before crossing the line 1 Min 45 secs up on the rest of the field.

Sarah Storey shows great style whilst cornering

This was Sarah's second gold medal of the championships, which has been an amazing championship's for the LC1 rider who has dominated her category, despite an unlucky crash earlier in the week whilst out training.

British Cycling spoke to Sarah about her amazing achievements:
"I'm delighted to win this morning, it was tricky with a small bunch and trying to produce the element of surprise with my attack. I just tried to use my strength on the climb, perhaps went a bit sooner than the race plan, but was confident I had the strength to finish it off!"

Result - LC1 Women's Road Race

1. Sarah STOREY (GBR)
2. Greta NIEMANAS (USA)
3. Claire McLEAN (AUS)

Darren Kenny's victory in the CP3 Men's road race was true display of team work by Darren and Rik Waddon. The pair showed true determination as they controlled the other two Spaniards in the race, one of whom being Tour de France stage winner Javier Ochoa.

Darren Kenny, left, and Rik Waddon prepare for their race

The race was also over 6 laps of the 9.7km course, with the nature of the course profile really challenging the bunch.

The race started with attacks from the Spanish riders, but Darren and Rik controlled these attacks and made sure they were in the select group of 4 riders including Ochoa and Gutierrez. This group stayed together for the remainder of the race with Darren signalling to the pits with 1 lap remaining he felt strong and was ready for the final few kilometres. This was the point in the race which Rik Waddon decided to sacrifice any chance of winning a medal in the race and work for the Paralympic champion Kenny. Rik set a fearsome pace up the final climb with 2 kilometres remaining setting up the final charge for Darren Kenny. The two Spaniards were unable to prevent the GB plan and Darren Kenny won the final sprint with Ochoa coming in 2nd and Gutierrez 3rd. It was clear to see how important the result was for Rik Waddon, as he crossed the line elated to see his team mate Darren Kenny World Champion.

Darren Kenny, on the podium with his Spanish rivals

British Cycling spoke to Darren and Rik after the race:
Darren :"That was a fantastic result, Rik was amazing in the final 2 kilometres, keeping the pace really high for me up the final climb, then all I had to do was finish the sprint in first place. A great result for me and also the team"

Rik: "I really worked hard for Darren, we have been racing the two Spaniards all year and always struggled to beat them, but we did it today!"

Result - CP3 Men's Road Race

1. Darren KENNY (GBR)
2. Javier OCHOA (ESP)
3. Juan GUTIERREZ (ESP)

Shaun McKeown before his race

Great Britain's other competitor on Day 4 was CP4 Shaun McKeown also in his road race. Considering Shaun's experience he did himself proud in a fast race. To his credit Shaun didn't look out of place in this highly competitive field and finished in the bunch, which was a great place to finish in his first World Championship road race. One to watch for the future!

Result - CP4 Men's Road Race

1. Michele PITTACOLO (ITA)
2. Jirir BOUSKA (CZE)
3. ALCAINE (FRA)

8 Shaun McKeown (GBR)

Coach, Chris Furber, right, works on his pre-race serious look

Rik Waddon before his race