ParalympicsGB’s strong start on the track at the Tokyo Paralympics continued with a one-two finish in the men’s C3 3000m individual pursuit; those medals followed a silver for Aileen McGlynn and pilot Helen Scott in the women’s B 1000m time trial
Last Updated: 26/08/21 8:42am
Jaco Van Gass has won gold in the men’s C3 3000m individual pursuit
Jaco van Gass secured gold ahead of ParalympicsGB team-mate Fin Graham in the men’s C3 3000m individual pursuit final at the Izu Velodrome.
The 35-year-old Afghanistan veteran crossed the finish line a little over a second quicker than Graham, who claimed silver to make it a one-two finish.
It was Graham who led in the early stages of the final, before Van Gass – in his first Paralympics – took the lead and claimed top spot by 1.013 seconds.
Great Britain were guaranteed a gold and a silver medal after Van Gass finished his qualification heat in an unprecedented time of 3.17.593.
Graham had earlier finished second-fastest in C3 qualifying in a time of 3.19.780, which was momentarily a world record in its own right.
It continued a successful day on the track for Great Britain’s riders, after Aileen McGlynn and pilot Helen Scott won the silver medal in the women’s B 1000m time trial.
Jody Cundy also secured a silver in the men’s C4-5 1000m time trial – setting a new Paralympic record in the process – to become the first man in ParalympicsGB history to medal at seven Games.
More to follow…
.
