Great Britain’s Kadeena Cox set a new world record as she stormed to C4 1km gold at the Para-Cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands. The 35-year-old stopped the clock at 1 minute 9.545 seconds to claim her seventh world title.
Kadeena Cox (Credits: BBC Sport)
Kadeena Cox’s World-Record Ride
Cox, a five-time Paralympic gold medallist, faced a nervous wait after her ride as Australia’s Tara Neyland took to the track in pursuit of a medal. But the Australian could not eclipse the Briton’s time, confirming Cox’s victory — her first world title since 2024.
Draped in a British flag by her team, Cox joyously celebrated a return to the top of the podium that underlines her remarkable longevity at the peak of para-cycling.
More British Medals in the Netherlands
In the men’s tandem B 1km time-trial, Britain’s James Ball defended his title alongside new partner Aaron Pope, dominating the final in 59.563 seconds. It was Ball’s eighth world title and Pope’s first.
There was silver for Britain in the women’s pursuit final, where Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl finished behind New Zealand’s Emma Foy and Jessie Hodges. The British pair had set a new world record of 4:30.262 in qualifying, only to see the Kiwis lower it to 4:29.672 in the final.
Britain’s medal haul was rounded out by bronze for Archie Atkinson in the men’s C4 final and Fin Graham in the C3 1km time-trial.
Cox’s ride was the standout performance of a session that showcased Britain’s extraordinary depth in para-cycling. Her nervous wait on the infield — watching Neyland’s final challenge from the sidelines — gave way to an outpouring of emotion when the Australian’s time fell short, and her team wrapped the 35-year-old in the Union Jack for the celebrations.
The C4 category, for athletes with lower-limb impairments or below-knee amputations, demands a brutal blend of explosive power and perfect pacing over four laps of the velodrome. Cox’s 1:09.545 bettered the previous global mark and adds a fresh world record to a career already decorated with five Paralympic titles.
Ball’s victory was equally significant for the British camp. The tandem pairing with Pope — forged after Ball’s previous partnership ended — delivered under pressure in 59.563 seconds, a statement that the new combination can defend the rainbow jersey at the highest level.
Also Read: From Rivals to Team-Mates: James Ball Links Up With Aaron Pope for World Title Defence | Jody Cundy Nears 20-Year Unbeaten Run at 17th World Championships
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
