Crystal shines in Ostend

Crystal Lane-Wright and Ben Watson both secured a brace of medals as they led the way for British riders at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in Ostend, Belgium.

Lane-Wright, who won two medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, added to the WC5 time trial silver she had clinched earlier in the four-day competition with gold in the individual road race, getting the better of Samantha Bosco, who had beaten the 33-year-old in her opening event.

Meanwhile, Watson added to his time trial bronze by winning the MC3 road race, with Great Britain team-mate Fin Graham narrowly missing out on the medals in fourth.

Also, during Sunday’s road races, tandem duo Lora Fachie and Corrine Hall took silver in the WB race, upgrading on their time trial bronze from earlier in the week.

Karen Darke (WH3) also brought two medals home from Belgium – both silver – while David Stone (MT2) claimed road race bronze.

Several other Brits also enjoyed medal success, with Katie Toft (WC1) victorious in her road race and time trial, George Peasgood (MC4) – also a GB para triathlete – winning time trial gold and Hannah Dines (WT2) securing a bronze medal in her time trial.

Jon Pett, head of para-cycling for the Great Britain Cycling Team, said: “Performances here in Belgium continue to demonstrate the development of this team, and in particular on the road.

“It’s great to see the breadth of success across the team and there have been a number of standout performances this week.

“This was an important event for the team, both in terms of qualification for Tokyo, but also to witness the early-season form of many of our riders after the winter training and transition from the track season for some.”

(Picture: SWpix.com)