Midlands duo Capewell and Clarke set their sights on Olympic glory
Sophie Capewell and Joe Clarke are both gunning for gold on what could be a glorious day for the Midlands at Paris 2024.
Cyclist Capewell is part of the GB trio targeting glory in the women’s team sprint on the velodrome at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, while canoe star Clarke is among the favourites in the kayak cross which reaches its conclusion at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium this afternoon.
The latter, a three-time world champion in kayak cross, which is making its Olympic debut in Paris, was again in imperious form yesterday as he blasted his way into the quarter-finals.
Clarke even had time to celebrate before crossing the line, such was his margin of victory in the opening heat of the elimination round.
The news was not so good for fellow Stafford and Stone canoe club member Adam Burgess, who exited the competition despite a valiant effort in heat four.
Burgess, who last week won silver in the canoe singles, is a complete novice in kayak cross but looked set to progress before making a mistake on the final gate.
He will now throw his support behind Clarke, who knows his serene progress through the competition is unlikely to continue.
“I have had plenty of practice at the chaotic stuff in training,” he said. “I know what is coming. It has just not come to me yet.
“Hopefully it doesn’t but I will prepare for the worst and try to be in a good position moving forward.
“The schedule gives me a chance to recharge again. It has been quite a long week for me, from the finals of the slalom and then straight into this.
“You just take each day as it comes and it was job done today. I will look forward to the finals.”
Lichfield’s Capewell, 25, is the daughter of the late GB para-cyclist Nigel. She and team-mates Emma Finacune and Katy Marchant begin their competition with the qualifying round at 4pm UK time.
The medal races are due to take place just before 7pm.