Elinor Barker, an accomplished cyclist and already a gold medallist at the UCI world championships, clinched a thrilling victory in the women’s Madison event at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow. Barker and her partner Neah Evans appeared on course to secure gold in the 120-lap race, but a crash prior to the penultimate lap forced a restart, adding to the drama. In the final nine laps, Barker and Evans fought hard to hold off their closest rivals, Australia, and ultimately won by just three points.
Evans described the tense moment before the restart, saying, “I remember thinking: ‘I’ve got one split to go, El’s off the front, I literally have to do two laps and we have won.’ Then the gun went, and it’s: ‘Oh crap, what’s going to happen now? I don’t know if I’ve got nine laps left in me.'”
Interestingly, the British team’s coach, Cameron Meyer, a former world champion in the Madison for Australia, played a crucial role in refocusing the pair before the restart. Evans explained, “He was giving us scenarios. We just had to be in the mix – which is easier said than done in a nine-lap race.”
Barker expressed gratitude for Meyer’s guidance, saying, “He knows what he’s talking about, he’s been so successful in this race himself, and I don’t think either of us would be here if he hadn’t come in as our coach in the last year.”
For Barker, who has previously won gold at the Rio Olympics and silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics before taking maternity leave in 2022, the win was especially meaningful. She exclaimed, “I’ve won double gold in the same events in the European championships, but, oh my God, it’s different to do it at a world champs, with a home crowd. It feels really, really special.”
In other events, Britain’s Ethan Vernon overcame a crash to claim the world title in the men’s elimination race. Vernon defeated Elia Viviani of Italy and Dylan Bibic of Canada to secure the gold medal. Despite the disappointment of crashing out in the team pursuit event, Vernon recognized the silver lining, saying, “We have salvaged something.”
Additionally, Kieran Reilly of Newcastle won gold in the BMX freestyle after a spectacular second run filled with impressive tricks. Reilly had to endure a lengthy wait and a rain delay before his world title was confirmed, but it was well worth it. He expressed relief, saying, “It’s been a stressful half-hour. It got to the point where it’s guaranteed I’ve got a medal before it rained, but the difference between getting a medal and a jersey is huge.”
Looking ahead, Britain’s strong team, including Bigham, Turner, Vernon, Bäckstedt, Georgi, and Shackley, will compete in the mixed relay race on Tuesday. However, there are concerns about potential disruptions from environmental protests during the elite women’s road race later in the week. Race director Mick Bennett acknowledges the vulnerability of road racing to protests, especially as controversial sponsors become involved. The race organizers are working with local authorities to gather intelligence and ensure public safety while allowing peaceful protests.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Police Scotland lead for the UCI world championships, emphasized the importance of legitimate protest while condemning any abusive or threatening behavior that jeopardizes public safety. Measures are in place to maintain order and minimize disruption during the event.
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