Rachael Timothy secured a bronze medal in both the Women’s C3 scratch race and Omnium in Glasgow as the UCI Cycling World Championships continued on Tuesday, August 8th.
On the final day of action in the Para-cycling Track World Championships, Timothy closed a successful campaign for the team as she secured bronze in the scratch race – with the result in turn earning her a podium place in the women’s omnium.
The omnium ranks riders based on four events: individual pursuit, 500m time trial, 200m time trial (flying), and scratch race.
Well positioned heading into the final three laps, Timothy fought well in a tough field to earn a podium spot.
Speaking after the race, Richael Timothy said, “I’m happy with a medal, I kind of knew against the sprinters that I would have to go. It was very negative (the race) no one was really trying anything because it was such a small group as well, but I suppose a medal is a medal so I’m happy with it now. I’m kind of used to bronze and 4th places so it’s good going into next year and we’ll see what we can do.
“Jamie (National Para-Cycling Coach) had said to me to try and go and make an effort and see if I could get rid of one or two of them because I knew if it came down to a sprint I wouldn’t have it so yeah I just did it and I went with three laps to go but just got caught at the end.
“It was good to do the omnium to get a sense of where you are overall so I kind of knew if I finished fourth or higher, I’d end up in the bronze for the omnium so yeah two medals, I’m delighted with it.”
Winning the medals gives Timothy confidence going into the Para-cycling Road World Championships later this week as she takes on the time trial and road race.
She continued, “I think in cycling confidence is everything, so yeah I will. I suppose I’ll get through the Time Trial on Thursday and then we’ll see, the road race should be good.”
BMX World Championships
In the BMX World Championships, Ireland were represented by veteran Dino Jeffers in the BMX Freestyle Flatland elite men qualifying.
Riders have three minutes to showcase their skills with points awarded for creativity and skill execution on a flat field.
Jeffers scored 38.40 to finish in 33rd place against some of the world’s best. With only the top 16 ranked riders progressing to the semi-finals, the competition was very high with limited spaces. The Belfast native can take great confidence from his performance and experience.
Speaking about his experience of competing at the World Championships, Jeffers said, “The competition was a great experience, I was very nervous as it was hard competing with all the top pro riders, but I did my best and had a brilliant time. I’m really proud to have been a part of such an important competition.”
It was a strong day in the BMX World Challenge as Evan Bartley took 3rd place in the final of the Boys 12 category. Reuben Byrne also qualified for the finals in Glasgow and finished 6th in the Boys 14 category with other riders reaching quarter and semi-finals throughout the day.
On Wednesday, August 9th, Ireland conclude their Track World Championships as Lara Gillespie competes in the women’s omnium. Elsewhere, the Road World Championships continues as Darren Rafferty and Dean Harvey take part in the U23 men’s time trial.
The Para-cycling Road World Championships kick off in Dumfries as Declan Slevin and Allister MacSorley represent Ireland in the time trial in their respective categories. BMX World Challenge races also take place across an array of categories.
Results – Tuesday, 8th August
BMX Racing: Challenge
Evan Bartley – 3rd
BMX Freestyle Flatland
Men Elite – Qualifying: Dino Jeffers – 33rd
Para-Track
Women C3 Scratch Race – Final: Richael Timothy – 3rd
Women C3 Omnium (after 4 events): Richael Timothy – 3rd