From lifeguard to world champion – Stewart savours title
Scotland’s Mark Stewart became world champion in the men’s points race in Shanghai, winning gold after years of near misses. The 31-year-old had begun to accept that a world title might never come, making his victory a landmark achievement in a career that included time away from professional cycling.
Stewart won the gruelling 160-lap race after previously earning two world silver medals and a bronze. Dropped from British Cycling’s high performance programme, he stopped racing after the pandemic began and worked in New Zealand as a dog walker, babysitter, teacher and lifeguard before returning to the programme ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. He says the title will not change how he judges himself, but believes his performance could strengthen his prospects for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In short
- Mark Stewart won the world points race title in Shanghai.
- He returned to cycling after working several jobs in New Zealand.
- The result gives him a strong start towards the 2028 Olympics.
Explained simply
Track cycling takes place on a steep-sided indoor oval, where riders race close together. In the points race, they compete over many laps and score points at intermediate sprints and by gaining a lap on the main group, so riders must balance speed with tactics and endurance.
Mark Stewart is a Scottish track cyclist who has represented Britain internationally. After winning two world silver medals and a bronze, he left professional racing during the pandemic and worked several jobs in New Zealand before returning to British Cycling’s high performance programme ahead of the Paris Olympics.
A world title is a major achievement in a sport where success can depend on both fitness and race decisions. Stewart’s return and result matter to his career, including his hopes of being considered for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.