BARNABY PITTINGALE, WORLD CHAMPION.

On an unseasonally cold and wet Sunday evening late in October in Cervia, Northern Italy, this was the text message that beamed around the globe.

With a truly outstanding performance all through testing on Thursday and Friday, to topping qualifying both times on Saturday, and finally winning the Final on Sunday with some ease, 'Il Dominator', as he is known now in Italy, removed the title of World Champion from Germany's Sasha Viets.

The race itself was a breeze for Barnaby. making the perfect start and simply pulling away from the rest from there. Arch rival from the British Championships Harry Cockhill kept pace in the middle of the race, but was still some 4 seconds down the road.

The crowd ticked the laps off with their fingers every time the British No. 2 crossed the line and the celebrations began on lap 25 with the final lap board out. Still the metronomic pace of the new World No. 1 was not to drop, and a typically understated arm pumping celebration as he crossed the line was the first action of the new champ.

Back in the pitlane, the pandemonium began with mechanics, drivers and UK officials all competing for the first word with Barnaby as he conducted endless press and TV interviews. Finally, he appeared in parc ferme with a huge grin as he was passed the Cross of St George ready for a tumultuous trophy presentation.

With Barnaby being joined by Harry (2nd) and Ed Cockhill (4th) on the podium, Team Easykart UK was sure to make some noise. As the National Anthem rang out, the loudest voice was that of the new champion, paying homage to Queen and country with the aid of his father, both given microphones by the bemused Italian presenters.

At Harry's insistence, the whole of Team Easykart UK were invited onto the podium for an inpromptu version of 'We Are The Champions'.

For further images from Cervia, please see the Postcard from Cervia section.