The Pole has often narrowly missed the top spot of the podium at international competitions but she could not be stopped today as she won the women's C5 category.

Harkowska was timed at 36min 39.3sec to claim the world champion's rainbow jersey in windy conditions.

American Samantha Bosco was second in 36:49.97 and bronze went to Germany's Kerstin Brachtendorf in 36:52.63.

"It is beautiful," said Harkowska of her new jersey.

"We decided not to use the disc wheel because of the wind, and it was a good decision. 

"I felt good and my coach told me to keep up the pace."

In the women's C4 category, Paralympic gold medallist Shawn Morelli of the United States showed her progress on the road by clinching gold.

She claimed a big win with a time of 36:48.39.

Raphaela Maria Eggert of Germany was second in 40:03.52 with Australia's Meg Lemon third in 40:12.06.

In the men's C2, four-time track world champion Tristen Chernove came out on top in the South African city.

He won in 35:32.72 to edge Australia's Darren Hicks into silver with his time of 35:49.16.

Peru won bronze thanks to Israel Hilario Rimas, timed at 35:50.96.

Canada clinched another gold in the men's C3 thanks to Michael Sametz's winning time of 32:48.92.

That was enough to beat Britain's Ben Watson, second in 33:26.11, and Colombia's Esneider Marin Munoz, third in 34:18.19.

Germany's Michael Teuber dominated the men's C1 class.

The multiple Paralympic and world champion stopped the watches at 35:29.66.

Canada's Ross Wilson won silver in 35:57.87 as the bronze went to William Lister of the US in 37:02.31.

Road races will continue the Championships tomorrow.