Aberdeen’s Neil Fachie was thrilled and relieved to reclaim the 1km time trial gold at the UCI Para-cycling World Championship in Canada.
Fachie and pilot Matt Rotherham were narrowly pipped for the title last year but were back on top of the podium in Milton.
There was a British one-two for the fourth year in a row with defending champion James Ball and his pilot Lewis Stewart forced to settle for silver.
Fachie and Rotherham were the first of the British pairings to set their time, stopping the clock at an impressive 59.724. Ball and Stewart went next, recording a time of 1:00.323 to secure silver.
Fachie believes the victory is a welcome boost ahead of this year’s Paralympics in Tokyo where the 35-year-old will bid to repeat his London 2012 gold success.
He said: “We wanted this back.
“We thought it was our title this year, and we’re relieved to come here and do the business. Particularly in a Paralympic year – to be world champions is a good sign.”
This latest success was Fachie’s 14th World Championship gold medal.
It was all the sweeter for Fachie having been forced to settle for silver in the event in the Netherlands in March last year.
The Aberdonian said: “It is always a pleasure to win the world title.
“We are delighted. We had ambitions to go quicker but a win is a win. It is another title to add to our collection.”
Rotherham was also pleased the duo had managed to get the victory they craved.
He said: “We were watching the clock afterwards and it was close for a bit. We were worried but the job is done.
“This is all about getting to Tokyo now. There is a huge sense of relief there.
“Hopefully that is enough for selection and get us to Tokyo so the real work can begin. Let’s crack on now and get the big one.”
Dame Sarah Storey also impressed at the championships after successfully defending her C5 individual pursuit and scratch race titles as well as helping Great Britain claim gold in the omnium.
Storey said: “I’m really pleased with my form and the work I have been doing in the chamber and on the road.”
Sophie Thornhill and Helen Scott also defended their tandem time trial title.
Thornhill, who has won 12 world titles, said: “I think I’m going to cry.
“We are really chuffed to defend it and break our Paralympic year world championships curse.”
