Hat-trick hero Sarah Storey on verge of British Paralympic history

But the 34-year-old Mancunian will be back in action tomorrow as she looks to win number four in the road race, which would take her level with Tanni Grey-Thompson’s haul of 11 Paralympic golds.

Before today's triumph Storey had already won two titles in the velodrome and added gold in the 16-kilometre race against the clock with a winning time of 22:40.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s just amazing to get around the circuit so quick.”

Crystal Lane was ninth in 27:33 and in the C5 men’s race Jon-Allan Butterworth finished 13th, while Mark Colbourne had to settle for silver in the men’s C1 time-trial.

Colbourne, who won individual pursuit gold in the velodrome, clocked 25:29 on the 16km course but Michael Teuber of Germany pipped him to victory, finishing first in 25:16.

It was the 42-year-old Welshman’s third medal of his first Games after breaking his back in a paragliding accident three years ago.

“I gave it everything, I’m happy with my silver,” Colbourne said. “I’m very proud of what I’ve done today.”

Elsewhere long jump silver medallist Stefanie Reid, who lost her lower right leg in a boating accident at the age of 15, qualified for tomorrow's T44 200m final, along with Sophie Kamlish.

Finally there was disappointment for Team GB’s wheelchair rugby side as they lost their opening pool match 56-44 to the United States.

The hosts edged into a 13-11 lead, only to be eventually overcome by the world’s top-ranked side.