A 50-year-old athlete has been stealing the spotlight at the 2025 Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro: Spain’s Ricardo Ten Argilés, from the C1 category, who claimed his second gold medal in two days of racing. After winning the Time Trial at the opening of the competition, this time he dominated the Scratch Race (10km), leading almost from start to finish.

“I’m a specialist in endurance events – they’re my favorites. I tried to open a gap early on, maintain a solid distance until the others couldn’t keep up with the pace, and then control the lead until the end,” explained Ten Argilés, who has a long and remarkable career in Paralympic sport.

Born in Valencia, the cyclist began his career in a different discipline: swimming, the sport that took him to five editions of the Paralympic Games. After Rio 2016, Ten Argilés decided that his cycle in the pool had come to an end and that it was time for new challenges. That’s when cycling entered his life.

In just two Paralympic cycles, Ten Argilés’ success on the track and road already rivals his achievements in swimming. He earned seven Paralympic medals in the pool and has now collected four in cycling — three of them on the velodrome. His World Championship record is even more impressive: seven golds, four silvers, and four bronzes. And if it’s up to the Spaniard, his story is far from over.

“I’m passionate about sports, and my motivation to compete in major events like this one is always very high,” he added.

Keeping up the winning pace, but in the C3 class, is Australian Korey Boddington, 30. All his Para-Cycling World Championship medals have been won in Rio de Janeiro: two last year — a silver and a bronze — and two this year, both gold. But Friday’s victory in the 1km Time Trial was especially meaningful, considering the accident he suffered on the first day.

“These results come from a lot of hard work, and when you win a race like this, it’s just amazing. I earned this medal, don’t forget, after crashing yesterday right after crossing the finish line in the Sprint. When I came to the Velodrome today, I wasn’t feeling very confident in my body. I arrived early, did some bike tests, and then realized I could push a little harder. From there, it was just about riding and going for it,” celebrated the Australian, who also set a new world record for the event: 1:02.848.

These and other results from the Para-Cycling Track World Championships can be found at https://para2025.veloresults.com/. The competition runs until Sunday, October 19, with morning and afternoon sessions at the Rio Velodrome (Avenida Embaixador Abelardo Bueno, 3401 – Barra da Tijuca). Events start at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on the final day. Admission is free.