Strathpeffer cyclist aims for special world championship title defence in Scotland next week
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Fin Graham may be going into the 2023 World Championships defending four gold medals, but he would be happy with keeping hold of just one of them on home soil over the next two weeks.
The 24-year-old from Strathpeffer will be entering every track event open to him, as well as the road race and road time trial.
He is expected to be one of the main contenders once again after winning the 2022 individual pursuit, scratch race and 200m omnium on the track on top of earning road race gold.
Practically ever since, he has had eyes on this year’s championships – which take place across Scotland starting next Wednesday.
It will be the first time Graham has competed at such a high level with home advantage, and in front of friends and family.
After exceeding expectations last year, then, he would love nothing more than to retain just one of his titles in his home nation.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Graham said.
“Being in Scotland, it’s the first time that’s happened for me, and having all the events coming together at the same time is going to be huge for cycling.
“To be going in as the defending champion, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to race in front of a home crowd for the world championships.
“Winning four world titles last year was something I wasn’t expecting at all.
“I was just going in last year with the goal of winning one world title, so to come away with four wasn’t expected.
“Now, coming in to Glasgow and trying to defend four, everyone is going to be at the top of their game because everyone wants to win the rainbow jersey.
“Again, I’d love to come away with just one world title. To do that in Scotland in front of friends and family would be really special.”
Graham has succeeded at the highest level with two silver medals from the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2021, but the next couple of weeks will be just as special, as he added: “Tokyo was special, but nobody was actually over there – everyone was back home watching on TV.
“My focus is just to approach it like any other race and soak up the atmosphere. Who knows when we will get an event like this again?”
