Mark Stewart wins world points race in Shanghai to claim world title

Scotland's Mark Stewart won the gold medal in the points race at the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai earlier this month, prevailing in the 160-lap event to become world champion.

The 31-year-old was dropped by British Cycling's high performance programme and stopped cycling professionally after the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Stranded in New Zealand during lockdown, he remained there and made a living working as a dog walker, babysitter, teacher and lifeguard before rejoining British Cycling ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

He had previously claimed two silver medals and a bronze at world level, and his victory in the gruelling 160-lap points race in Shanghai was described as reaching the pinnacle of his career.

"Because it had taken me so long to win a world championship you almost start to make your peace that it wasn't going to happen and started to enjoy the other aspects of sport," Stewart told BBC Scotland. "I don't put any more value on it because I have spent my career telling myself that it is not where I put my value, so I can't see that really changing. "I stand by that so I think it is something cool and it is a personal achievement - but I still don't think it should change how people judge you or how I judge myself."

Stewart admits he had to overcome some "extremely challenging" personal circumstances in the build up to his victory, which he says he was able to "channel" into his performance.

After getting a taste of Olympic action in Paris two years ago, the 2018 Commonwealth gold medallist said he believes he can tap into that experience and fresh heights to compete at the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Stewart and Morris add to GB gold tally at Worlds.

"That world championships was the start of the Olympic selection process so I couldn't really have started it in a better place," he said. "I have found a new level of performance and I think if I can tap into that it might open up a few more doors, I might still have to push the doors but a re-evaluation probably is needed."