Scotland’s Mark Stewart admits he began to just accept he would by no means win a gold medal on the World Observe Biking Championships – earlier than he lastly turned world champion in China earlier this month.
The 31-year-old, who had beforehand claimed two silver medals and a bronze, prevailed within the gruelling 160-lap factors race in Shanghai to succeed in the head of his profession.
Stewart, from Dundee, was dropped by British Biking’s excessive efficiency programme and stopped biking professionally after the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
After being stranded in New Zealand throughout lockdown he stayed within the nation and needed to make a dwelling away from sport, working as a dog-walker, babysitter, instructor, and lifeguard earlier than rejoining British Biking earlier than the 2024 Olympics.
Stewart admits his rise at a later stage in his profession has left him not sure about tips on how to course of his world title success.
“As a result of it had taken me so lengthy to win a world championship you nearly begin to make your peace that it wasn’t going to occur and began to benefit from the different elements of sport,” Stewart instructed BBC Scotland.
“I do not put any extra worth on it as a result of I’ve spent my profession telling myself that it isn’t the place I put my worth, so I am unable to see that actually altering.
“I stand by that so I believe it’s one thing cool and it’s a private achievement – however I nonetheless do not assume it ought to change how folks choose you or how I choose myself.”
