Thursday, September 06 2012

Sarah Storey has clinched the gold medal in the Women's Individual C4-5 road race at Brands Hatch this afternoon (Thursday) after a totally dominant performance, and in doing so became the equal most successful British Paralympian in history.

With the rapturous support of the home crowd, including the Princess Royal, Storey once more looked unstoppable. Such was her speed that she was able to catch and overtake the Men's C1-3 road race which started several minutes before her, as well as finishing over seven minutes clear of her nearest challengers.

Storey is now Britain's equal most successful modern Paralympian, level on 11 gold medals with Tanni Grey Thompson and Dave Roberts. This gold is her fourth of the current games.

Speaking afterwards Sarah said: "This year I've put absolutely everything into my training, I've done more road races and I've just tried my hardest to make sure everything was perfect. There's a few hundred people I need to thank, I'm so grateful.

"I had to make sure I paced myself and not get too excited. I was just concentrating on doing the professional job I know I can do and it's just a dream come true. I couldn't believe how amazing the crowd was all the way around the circuit, there are so many people I can't thank them enough.

"Tanni's career was absolutely immense and I've just spoken to her down the line on the radio and she's an absolutely incredible girl and I can't wait to give her a big hug. To be even on the same page as Tanni, but to have won 11 golds and six of those in cycling, and to make today a clean sweep for the week, it's just a dream come true. I don't know if it will ever sink in."

"These have been the greatest games for me, I won two gold medals in Barcelona and three in Atlanta and two in Beijing. I've won four here and I can't get over it. I'm going to be having some champagne for sure, champagne all the way!"

Elsewhere for ParalympicsGB Crystal Lane finished in sixth place in her first Paralympic Games.

The GB Men in action had less joy with Jon-Allan Butterworth forced to withdraw from the Men's C4-5 Road Race on the fourth lap while in the C1-3 category Shaun McKeown and Mark Colbourne finished 21st and 24th respectively.

To make sure you miss none of the action at Brands Hatch click here to visit the Paralympics minisite.

Click here to check availability for tickets to the Paralympic Road Cycling events at Brands Hatch.

Please note: this event is organised by LOCOG and only official London 2012 tickets are valid for admission. Any MSV-issued passes, for example media, residents' and season passes, are NOT valid for admission.