April 29/22 10:01 am - National Para-cycling Program Begins This Weekend; Para Development Camp

Posted by Editoress on 04/29/22
 

Following a highly successful year that saw three Canadian para-cyclists achieve medal performances at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, National Team athletes are gearing up for an exciting road season, which kicks off this weekend with the Challenge Gary Longhi in Montreal, Quebec. The team will then head to Europe for the first two UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cups of the season.

This season will mark the first complete para-cycling race schedule since 2019, with upcoming National Team projects focusing on evaluating current riders and assessing where the team stacks against other nations. Athletes competing in Belgium and Germany include Paralympic bronze medallist Keely Shaw, current World Champions Shelley Gautier and Marie-Claude Molnar, as well as Paralympians Joey Desjardins and Alex Hyndman.

Keely Shaw

Marie-Claude Molnar

Shelley Gautier

The focus will then shift to development as riders return home for the third UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup in Quebec City in early August, followed by the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, one week later. These events will serve as important classification opportunities for new talent and will give development athletes the chance to race at the international level, all while being supported by family, friends and local fans.

"We are always looking for new talents to join the National team," said National Team Coach, Sébastien Travers. "This year, we're working on offering as many advancement camp opportunities as possible across Canada for individuals interested in giving the sport a try. This is an exciting time to join the squad as we are looking to build towards the Paris 2024 Games."

Kate O'Brien

Following the end of the road season, select athletes will return to the track as they prepare for the UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France in late October. 2020 World Champion, Kate O'Brien, will look to defend her world title in the women's C4 500m race, while Shaw will be aiming for another medal in the Individual Pursuit. The Championships will be held at the same velodrome that is set to play host to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, giving athletes and staff the opportunity to be familiarized with the track and test out protocols ahead of the event.

Cycling Canada is continually looking for new athletes to join the National Team program. If you or someone you know is interested in trying out the sport, please contact Advancement Camp Coach Guillaume Plourde.