In a Paracycling Track World Championship largely dominated by already established and multi-medal-winning athletes, Niels Verschaeren stood out as one of the exceptions. On the penultimate day of competition at the Rio de Janeiro Velodrome, the Belgian cyclist celebrated his first-ever gold medal, triumphing in the Sprint (C5) event.

“It’s really emotional, especially after what happened on Thursday, when I was the fastest in the Time Trial qualifying round but then had a problem in the final. I probably would have taken silver in that race, but I lost (and finished fifth). So I had to keep my motivation high for today, and I’m grateful to my coach, who gave me confidence and told me I was the fastest rider,” said the 34-year-old athlete, who has an impairment in his left hand.

Until this edition, Niels’ résumé included two bronze medals from Paracycling World Championships, both in the Time Trial, in 2023 and 2024. This time, in an event that isn’t even his specialty, he fulfilled a lifelong dream.

“This medal is even more special because it happened here in Rio, where everything started in 2018, when I raced my first World Championship. This city represents the beginning of everything and the place where I’ve achieved my best results. Now the dream has come true,” he added.

Another athlete who continues to build a strong bond with Rio de Janeiro is Switzerland’s Flurina Rigling, 29, who won the Sprint title on Saturday in the C2 class, reaching her third podium in 2025 — after taking gold in the Scratch race and silver in the Time Trial earlier in the week.

“I worked really well this year. It’s been quite a long season, but I’m happy with the medals and proud to see that I’m still in great physical shape, able to win two world titles,” said Rigling, who was born with only one finger on each of her hands and feet.

Since 2021, Flurina has proven to be one of the most consistent athletes in the sport. Her Sprint victory marked the 13th medal of her career in Paracycling Track World Championships: now totaling five golds, five silvers, and three bronzes. The Swiss rider also has ten podium finishes in Paracycling Road World Championships and two Paralympic medals.

“After Covid-19, I decided to change both my equipment and strategy. I work really hard, have great support, and do everything possible to improve year after year. I believe in a process of evolution — of comparing myself to myself — and that gives me a lot of energy,” she explained.

Another memorable moment from the third day of competition came from Australia’s Tahila Clayton-Goodie, who shattered the world record in the C1 Time Trial, lowering the mark by more than eight seconds (1:25.366) to secure her third gold medal in Rio.

The 2025 UCI Paracycling Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro continue through Sunday, October 19, with morning and afternoon sessions starting at 9 a.m. at the Rio Velodrome (Avenida Embaixador Abelardo Bueno, 3401 – Barra da Tijuca). Admission is free, and the full schedule and results are available on the official event website: https://2025uciparatrack.com

About the 2025 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships – Rio de Janeiro