May 26/12 19:08 pm - Canadians Win Gold & Silver at Para World Cup Road Races

Posted by Editoress on 05/26/12
 

The 2012 UCI Para-cycling World Cup continued Saturday in Rome, and two Canadian para-cyclists stepped on the podium as the road races were held for hand cyclists.
 
Ontario’s Mark Ledo, a two-time bronze medallist at UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, sprinted to the victory in the men’s H2 race, edging his closest competitor at the finish line.
 
“It was a good race today. I tried my best to create opportunities, but I wasn’t able to break away," said Ledo. “I then relied on my sprinting abilities, and it worked! I am very happy with this result.”

Robert Labbé, the 2009 Para-cycling World Time Trial Champion, took the silver medal in the H1 race, crossing the line only three seconds behind winner Christophe Hindriq of Belgium. Labbé finished fourth in yesterday’s time trial.

Labbé was pleased with his efforts, despite the mechanical issues: “I started really well, but I had a loss of energy. I was able to manage my efforts to continue, especially since the Israeli rider was not far behind. I gave all I had in me, and held on to the end. I started the race with confidence, and was expecting a strong result. I am very pleased."

Labbé spent most of the day in a breakaway with Koby Lion of Israel, but was eventually chased down by Hindricq of Belgium. In the final kilometres, both Labbé and Hindricq attacked and made for an exciting sprint finish, which Hindrik won. Labbé could have been a strong contender for the victory, but had no brakes left in the last two laps, on a very technical course.
 
The competition in Rome ends Sunday, with the remaining road races.

Cycling Canada (formerly CCA) press release

Results are still to come