Bjergfelt plotting World Championships success with Tokyo on the mind

William Bjergfelt is looking to stamp his authority at the upcoming UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in a bid to secure a place at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

The 41-year-old bagged a silver medal at Apeldoorn, Netherlands last year and is aiming to go one better at Milton, Canada this time around.

With the Paralympics taking place this summer, Bjergfelt recognises the importance of a big performance at the World Championships which runs from January 30 to February 2.

But the C5 rider is expecting a fight to the finish as he travels with a 23-strong squad that he believes will all be gunning for glory.

“I medalled in the scratch race at last year’s Track World Championships and I’m hopeful that I’ll medal in the pursuit this time,” Bjergfelt said.

“Hopefully I will stamp some authority in getting selected for Tokyo.

“As a nation there is a big focus on trying to make sure we get nine male spots so the whole team is looking to perform at a high level to try to maximise how many people go to Tokyo.

“It’s going to be really exciting to be a member of the British Cycling team performing at the highest level.”

Bjergfelt will also make the trip to Canada fuelled by the disappointment of missing out on a medal at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Emmen, Netherlands in September.

“Nothing is ever guaranteed but, from my understanding, a medal (in Canada) would put me in very good stead (for Paralympic selection),” Bjergfelt said.

“I was incredibly close to medalling in the Road World Championships with two fourth places and the time difference between me and a medal was very little.

“I am definitely multi-medal capable so it’s just a case of getting a medal (in the Track World Championships) and then there are potentially three medals that I will be going to Tokyo to try to collect.”

On top of competing on the road and track, Bjergfelt works full-time for GMK Aerospace and is a father of two.

“I have been working incredibly hard,” he added.

“At the moment I am at the end of a three-week block of really hard training.

“Just before Christmas I was away in Majorca with British Cycling for a training camp which went really well and it was nice to come home and have some time with the family.

“I have a very understanding wife and immediate family around me that help out, so I am very lucky.

“They are excited about a holiday this year – all being well!

“We have not had a family holiday for a while as everything has been focused on World Cups, World Champs and all the racing that I have had to do.”

Photo credit: William Bjergfelt © SWpix.com