Para-cyclist James Ball embarks on a new journey with his sixth pilot, Aaron Pope, as they prepare for the Para-cycling Track World Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, starting Thursday. This partnership comes after a competitive stint at the Commonwealth Games, where Pope helped Neil Fachie secure two gold medals while Ball and his previous pilot, Matt Rotherham, settled for silver.

Ball, who previously won world titles alongside Steffan Lloyd, is optimistic about this new collaboration. He humorously acknowledged the adjustment, stating, "It's not me, I promise," and emphasized the importance of learning together.

• Previous pilots:
  • Craig McLean
  • Matt Rotherham
  • Pete Mitchell
  • Lewis Stewart
  • Steffan Lloyd
  • Aaron Pope

Reflecting on his past successes, including two golds in Los Angeles in 2017, Ball is focused on upcoming competitions, particularly the 2024 Paralympics in Paris and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. He noted that the current world championships will serve as a benchmark for their progress against global competitors, expressing excitement about the growing number of tandems in the sport.

Despite the nerves that accompany a new partnership, Ball remains committed to fostering a positive environment. He believes that changing pilots frequently rejuvenates his training and helps maintain progress. As they gear up for the championships, Ball aims to embrace the learning experience, stating, "If there's any mistakes... brush them off."

With fresh competition on the horizon, Ball and Pope are ready to take on the challenges ahead, showcasing the evolution of para-cycling.