For the fifth time in a row, Storey triumphed in the women’s road race at the Paralympics on a C5 route that was only 14.1 km long. This was her first time competing on a circuit less than 22 km.
She is one of thirteen riders from Britain taking part in the road time trials on Wednesday. Fran Brown, a teammate, won silver in the women’s C1-3 category.
After defeating Heidi Gaugain, the French hope, Storey noted that competitors had complained to the organizers of the Games regarding the duration of the women’s race but had not received a response.
It’s a brief competition. We’ve never had a shorter Paralympic time trial, and I think that’s really unfortunate because it prevents us from showcasing parasport the way we would like to,” Storey remarked.
“You must inquire with the organizers. We have more than enough time in a day to complete two laps, just like the men do. It is truly disappointing not to have equity in women’s cycling after fighting so hard for it.
I was unable to influence the race distance, so I had to set it aside and concentrate on what I could manage. However, I sincerely hope that they never again mistreat women in this way; it is abhorrent.
