Richards put in a masterful performance, beating Olympic champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot. Ferrand-Prevot had come to defend her world title and had just won the Olympic gold medal for Paris 2024. Despite being the favourite, she couldn't hold off the British rider and had to settle for silver.

The British star rode a fierce race in the elite women's short track event. Richards got off to a very fast start from the second row. She entered the first corner and positioned herself in the top ten. By the end of the first kilometre, Richards was in fifth place, with Ferrand-Prevot (France) easily pulling away. When Jenny Rissveds (Sweden) made her move on the third lap, Richards moved up to sixth and then fourth.

The two riders in front had a five-second lead, while Richards stayed on the wheel of Puck Pieterse (Netherlands) as they pulled away from the main group. The pair were seven seconds behind the leading duo by the middle of the race.  In the men's race, Victor Koretzky surprised everyone by beating all his rivals, including Olympic champion Tom Pidcock, who had to fight back to finish eighth.

On the fifth climb, Richards attacked to pass Pieterse and close in on Rissveds. On the descent, the British rider quickly closed the gap and moved up to third position with four laps to go. He then overtook Rissveds as they crossed the line to take second place.

Richards launched another attack on the climb. He passed the Olympic champion to take the lead. On the descent, Richards continued to increase her speed, but Ferrand-Prevot's experience allowed her to close in on Richards' wheel.

At the bell, Richards was still in the lead. however, Ferrand-Prevot overtook her on the climb and launched a strong attack. Richards stayed close, closed the gap on the descent and stayed on Ferrand-Prevot's wheel as the battle for gold continued.

A fierce sprint around the final bend saw both riders fighting through the pain, but Richards' power was unstoppable as she crossed the line ahead of Ferrand-Prevot to claim the world title.

Jordan Sarrou continued to lead the men's race past the halfway point. The Frenchman was at the head of a large group that hadn't yet broken away. Tom Pidcock was conspicuous by his absence. The British Olympic champion had to overcome setbacks and work his way back from the first lap. All eyes were on him, but he could only manage eighth place.

Sarrou maintained a relentless pace, with compatriot Victor Koretzky on his wheel for part of the race. Pidcock made progress but couldn't get to the front. With two laps to go Koretzky attacked and took the lead. Hatherly and Aldridge remained in contention. However, Koretzky went solo and nobody could catch him.

Pidcock recovered well to finish eighth, just 23 seconds back. He will look to defend his world title in Sunday's cross-country race.