Katie Archibald secured a triumphant return from severe leg injuries as Great Britain successfully defended their women’s team pursuit title at the Cycling World Championships in Denmark.

Archibald’s aspirations for further Olympic glory in Paris were shattered when she sustained a fractured tibia and fibula, a dislocated ankle, and ligament damage in a bizarre accident involving a garden step in June. The 30-year-old Scot, alongside Josie Knight, Anna Morris, and Meg Barker—who replaced Jess Roberts for the final—helped Team GB achieve a commanding victory in Ballerup, overtaking Germany to clinch another championship.

“It’s not about words [being back],” Archibald told BBC Sport post-race. “It’s about taking a deep breath, feeling where you’re meant to be, and being part of a team you’re meant to be with. It’s a real privilege to be part of this squad. It’s incredibly special.”

This marked Great Britain’s second gold medal of the championships, following the women’s team sprint victory on Wednesday, which featured Olympic champions Sophie Capewell, Emma Finucane, and Katy Marchant. However, the men’s team pursuit squad had to settle for silver after a close defeat by the Danish hosts.

Ethan Hayter, Josh Charlton, Charlie Tanfield, and Ollie Wood initially led at the 1,000-metre mark. Denmark, however, made significant progress in the final stages, seizing the lead when the teams reduced their numbers, ultimately securing gold in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

“We gave it our all in that final, and we just missed out slightly at the finish, but I think we got the most out of ourselves, and that’s just how it goes,” Tanfield reflected.

In other events, Harry Ledingham-Horn finished fourth in the men’s keirin, and Noah Hobbs placed sixth in the scratch race, both making their world championship debuts. Sophie Lewis was eliminated early in the elimination race, finishing 15th overall.

In the women’s sprint qualification, reigning world champion Finucane and Capewell advanced to the semi-finals, but Marchant was edged out by Hetty van de Wouw of the Netherlands.