Paris 2024 Flash Quotes: Jaco van Gass and Fin Graham

Comments from ParalympicsGB cyclists Jaco van Gass (gold) and Fin Graham (silver) after their British one-two in the men’s C3 3000m individual pursuit. Both broke world records in qualifying, with van Gass breaking Graham’s record which had been set earlier in the day.

Name: Jaco van Gass

Result: Gold in the men’s C3 3000m individual pursuit in 3:18.460

Age: 38

Hometown: Reading

On retaining his gold:

“I’m overwhelmed, delighted, and generally happy it’s over to be honest. It has been a rollercoaster to this moment. I rode an average qualifier. I know I did well in time wise but in terms of how I executed the ride, it was not perfect so I knew I had something to work on for the final.

“It was just whether the legs would be there or not. It paid off so I’m just elated to be here.”

On what inspired him to continue after Tokyo:

“The game plan was always to get selected for a Paralympic Games and become a Paralympian, let alone a medallist. I then stood on top of that podium, looking into those crowds in Tokyo and there was no-one.

“I knew from that very second, stepping onto that podium that I’m going to have to try again knowing that Paris is next, knowing that we will have those friends and family here and that is what has driven me to commit to another three years and not go off on adventures and do loads of other stuff like climbing mountains and just stick with the bike.”

Name: Fin Graham

Result: Silver in the men’s C3 3000m individual pursuit in 3:22.540

Age: 24

Hometown: Strathpeffer

On his performance:

“It was a carbon copy to Tokyo – I go out break a world record and then I have it for about five minutes, I barely get off the bike before Jaco’s taken it off me!

“As we said coming into it, Jaco is the one to beat, reigning world champion and he was Paralympic champion in Tokyo. It has shown he is able to peak at the right time. In this event there is no hiding, strongest man on the day wins and today that was Jaco.”

On his remaining events:

“That’s me done for the track now so I’ve got a week or so, or maybe not even that until the time trial on the road. I’ve got out and try and find some longer efforts. It’s a bit different to the pursuit but I missed out in Tokyo on a medal by three seconds so hopefully I’ll be able to turn that round and get on the podium.”