BEIJING, Sep. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Track cycling events
of Beijing Paralympic Games ended in Laoshan Velodrome here on Wednesday when
Britain took three more golds to prove its domination with a total of 12
titles.
 |
|
British Anthony Kappes(L) and his pilot Barney Storey celebrate after claiming the
title of Men's Sprint(B&VI) final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games cycling track event
on Sept. 10, 2008. (Xinhua/zhang Duo) Photo
Gallery>>> |
Sarah Storey stormed back in the women's individual
pursuit of LC1-2/CP4 category to take the gold medal in a new LC1 world record
of three minutes and 36.637 seconds. She ripped four seconds off the record she
set in the qualifications to snatch the title from Jennifer Schuble of United
States by centimeters.
Schuble needed to match the CP4 world record she made
in the qualifying rounds to beat Storey but crossed the line just 0.2 second off
the pace and had to settle for the silver. She had been crowned in women's 500
metres time trial of LC1-2/CP4 class.
"This Paralympics is really a tough game," said
Storey. "So it was difficult for me to take gold or to break the records. I'm
satisfied with myself as I did both."
"I'm satisfied with this result, too," said Schuble.
"I got two medals at this Paralympics, and got two best times I never had. I
rode as fast as I could."
"I felt much pressure. Storey and the British team
never failed. And I also felt pressure from cheering spectators, teammates and
my coach. I felt pressure from everywhere," said Schuble. "But I achieved my
goal and did my best."
 |
|
Cyclists of China compete in men's team
sprint (LC1-4 CP3/4) final of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games cycling
track event on Sept. 10, 2008.(Xinhua/Zhang Duo) Photo
Gallery>>> |
China was guaranteed a bronze with the third place
being fought out between Dong Jingping and Ye Yaping, both in LC2 class, and
Dong duly edged out her compatriot racing as full five seconds faster.
In men's sprint of B&VI class, British Anthony
Kappes won gold with pilot Barney Storey, edging Aussie Ben Demery and pilot
Shaun Hopkins after two straight wins in the best of three race final. It was
Kappes' second after he took title in men's 1km time trial on Monday, in which
he also beat Demery.
"We have had a good battle with them for three
years," said silver medallist Demery. "They have come on the top every time.
They are great bike riders, and the British team got a great programme. They
ride very well, so I think the best thing is to catch them up one day."
Team Britain also seized the title of men's team
sprint of LC1-4/CP3-4 category with three gold-medallists Mark Bristow, Jody
Cundy and Darren Kenny. They defeated host Chinese team of Zhang Kuidong, Zhang
Lu and Zheng Yuanchao in a three-lap final with an advantage of only one
second.
Bristow was gold medallist in men's LC1 1km time
trial and Cundy won LC2 time trial while Kenny was winner in CP3 individual
pursuit and 1km time trial. They all set world records in their respective
events.
"We really enjoy the matches," said Cundy. "The
entire Britain team are happy with what we did. It is out of our
expectation."
American Barbara Buchan was the only non-British gold
winner on Wednesday. She came home first by a margin of 2.316 seconds to spoil
the day for Natalie Simanowski of Germany in women's individual pursuit of
LC3-4/CP3 class.
Simanowski was racing to go one better than the
silver she took in 500m time trial but had to make do with another silver. She
was fastest on the track but with the times adjusted with respect their
disability levels, Buchan had the edge.
"It's my honour to win gold and I'm so pleased," said
Buchan. "Though Simanowski is much younger than me, I think I am a good
athlete."
Britain topped the medal standings with 13 medals, 12
of which are golds. Australia also clinched three gold, four silver and six
bronze medals. China ranked third with 0-3-3 in the track cycling events.