Sarah Storey Critiques Shortened Paralympic Race

Dame Sarah Storey secured her 18th Paralympic gold medal in the women's C5 time trial but criticized the event's shortened distance of 14.1km, calling it 'appalling.' Storey, who finished the race in 20 minutes and 22.15 seconds, expressed disappointment that the men's C5 event was set at double the distance, arguing that it undermines the visibility of para-sport and women's cycling. She highlighted that this was the shortest Paralympic time trial ever and lamented the lack of parity in race lengths, particularly after recent progress in women's cycling. Storey noted that despite her frustrations, she focused on the race itself and her performance, which marked her fifth consecutive gold in this event. The decision to shorten the women's race was attributed to a busy schedule of 19 races on the same day. Storey aims to add to her medal tally in the upcoming road race.