Paralympic Games: World Record for Mark Colbourne

Great Britain’s Mark Colbourne breaks World Record and qualifies for C1 Individual Pursuit Final!

From JAC Sport Media

Mark Colbourne (right, Photo © Kelkel) has broken the C1 3k Individual Pursuit world record with a blistering time of 3.53.970 and will battle for gold with Zhang Yu Li of China in the final this evening.

Mark had a good clean start to the race and remained composed as he applied the pressure to Argentinian Rodrigo Fernando Lopez, gradually building his speed to lap Lopez at 1000m to go.

The current World Champion punched the air in delight as he crossed the finish line to a rapturous welcome from the crowd, and he’s looking stronger and more determined than ever to achieve his dream of Paralympic gold.

Speaking after the race, Mark said: “It was good, obviously this event suits my physiology I suppose, you know, the longer events.”

“Yesterday I was very proud to be the first medallist for Paralympic GB. However, this event is certainly more my bag really, so I’m looking forward to the final later on”

When asked whether he was surprised to break the world record by seven seconds, Mark explained: “No, not really. The schedule we had was just under four minutes and I think the crowd certainly helped me on. So a big thanks to the crowd.”