Flurina Rigling made a big splash at the Para-cycling Track World Championships on Thursday in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. The Zurich native shattered the world record for the kilometer time trial during qualifying, completing the distance in 1’16”75.
The Swiss improved the old reference mark by more than three seconds, held by the Brazilian Sabrina Custódia (1’20”02). A performance which allows him to enter Thursday evening’s final with the best time in qualifying.
Her first pursuer, Irin Heather Jameson, also did better than the old world record, with a time of 1’19”20. However, she is 2”45 behind the Zurich rider.
World Champion
Vice-world champion in the discipline last year in Rio, Flurina Rigling this time won gold a few hours after her world record. However, it failed to improve its brand.
“I didn’t think I would set a world record and win gold in the time trial. I am proud to have accomplished this with my team,” rejoiced the Swiss after her feat, in comments transmitted by the Swiss Paralympic Committee.
