DAME Sarah Storey made an impressive comeback when she raced to success in Newport at the Paracycling International Cup.

The Paralympic champion was making her return to competitive action in her first race since giving birth to her daughter Louisa in June.

And the 36-year-old, who has won 11 gold medals, produced a stunning performance in the 3km pursuit, catching her American rival Jennifer Schuble with a kilometre to go.

But Storey insists there is plenty of room for improvement despite clocking a time of 3 minutes 45.406 seconds.

"It was good to be back racing," she said. "The time isn't so bad but I definitely need to get fitter - it hurt at the end.

"I thought I would catch Jennifer but I found it tough to get by her because I didn't have as many reserves as I would normally have, but it is a good starting point and now I can build on it.

"That time would still have won me gold in London so I'm pleased to be still on top of the rankings."

Jody Cundy, who won a bronze at London 2012, also produced a fine performance to win the C4 kilo race.

His time of 1: 04.996 was faster than his own world record, although it won’t stand due to the lack of official anti-doping officials at the event.

"It is the first time I have ridden against the guys who competed and medalled in London so it was nice to win,” he said. "To do a world record time and beat the Paralympic champion is good going.”

Sophie Thornhill and Rachel James combined to win gold in the tandem sprint two days after winning the kilos titles on Friday while there was also success for the pairing of Neil Fachie and Craig Maclean.