History-makers: Asma Jan and Kanza Malik become first Pakistani women to race internationally

Asma Jan (left) and Kanza Malik become first Pakistani women to race internationally
Asma Jan (left) and Kanza Malik become first Pakistani women to race internationally (Image credit: Future/Patrick Fletcher)

“I’m just so happy,” says one rider as she removes her aero helmet in the mid-afternoon Bruges sunshine. “This feels amazing,” adds another. 

These aren’t the words of the new world time trial champion Ellen van Dijk, nor of the two other riders who will soon have medals hanging from their necks. They’re the words of the two riders who will finish dead and distant last. 

Patrick Fletcher

Patrick is a freelance sports writer and editor. He’s an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor’s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish). Patrick worked full-time at Cyclingnews for eight years between 2015 and 2023, latterly as Deputy Editor.