Rivals To Team-Mates: Ball Links Up With Pope

Para-cyclist James Ball has teamed up with his former rival Aaron Pope to compete in the Para-cycling Track World Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. This new partnership marks Ball's sixth different pilot throughout his career.

Ball's previous pilot, Matt Rotherham, helped him win silver in the men's tandem B 1,000m time trial and the men's sprint at the Commonwealth Games. However, it was Pope who piloted Neil Fachie to two golds at the same event.

Ball has a successful track record, having won two golds in Los Angeles in 2017 alongside Matt Rotherham. He also won world titles with Steffan Lloyd in 2025. The 35-year-old para-cyclist is now looking to retain these titles with his new partner, Aaron Pope.

## What's Next The Para-cycling Track World Championships, starting on Thursday, will be a crucial test for the new partnership. Ball and Pope will be competing against the best in the world, and the event will provide a good indication of their progress. The ultimate goal is the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028, but for now, the focus is on the world championships.

The partnership between Ball and Pope is still in its early stages, and there have been some nerves as they prepare for their first major competition together. However, Ball is excited about the new challenge and the opportunity to work with a new pilot. With the world championships and the Paralympics on the horizon, this new partnership will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.

## Background James Ball's career has been marked by several changes in pilots, but he has consistently performed at a high level. His experience and success make him a strong contender for the upcoming world championships and the Paralympics. The partnership with Aaron Pope adds a new dynamic to his career, and it will be interesting to see how they perform together.

The Para-cycling Track World Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, will provide a platform for Ball and Pope to test their skills and prepare for the bigger events ahead. With the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028 looming large, this world championships is an important milestone in their journey to the top.