He’s officially the world’s fastest on three wheels.
On Wednesday, para cyclist Nathan Clement of West Vancouver raced to his first-ever international title during the men's T1 individual time trial at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow, U.K.
Clement rode at a speed of more than 30 kilometres per hour to finish the 10.8 km course in 18 minutes 50.35 seconds.
The Canadian athlete finished second in the same event last year. He also swam in the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and plans to bike at the Games in Paris next year.
After suffering a stroke at two-and-a-half years old, Clement wasn’t expected to walk, let alone become a world champion athlete.
The time trial in Glasgow was tough, the 28-year-old said in a statement.
“It took some time to get going at the start of the race, but as it progressed, I was able to dial in and focus on the training I’ve worked on with my coach Phil Abbott,” he said. “The win is still sinking in and the emotions haven’t caught yet.
“Getting to this world championships was a journey. I am very thankful and appreciative of the incredible team of coaches and the support staff behind me,” Clement said.
Fellow Canadian Shelly Gautier of Niagara Falls, Ont., scored bronze in the women’s version of the race.
