Great Britain announce Rio 2016 Para cycling team

Sarah Storey, Britain’s most decorated female Paralympian, has been named alongside 10 riders and four pilots to be part of the Para cycling team at Rio 2016, after an announcement made by the British Paralympic Association on 16 June.

Three-time Paralympic champion David Stone, five-time Paralympian Jody Cundy and London 2012 gold medallist Neil Fachie joined the team as well.

“I am delighted to be picked for my seventh Paralympic Games,” said Storey, who won 11 gold, eight silver and three bronze Paralympic medals.

“It is just as exciting to be named in the team today as it was for my first Games in Barcelona in 1992.

“London 2012 was incredible; to win four golds at a home Games was a once in a lifetime experience but I cannot wait to get to Rio and hopefully enjoy some more success alongside my ParalympicsGB teammates.”

Cundy, who won two golds at Beijing 2008 and a bronze at London 2012, also shared his excitement.

“It is a huge honour to be selected for ParalympicsGB once again,” he said.

“I will be giving everything I have got over the next couple of months to make sure I am in the best possible shape when I get to the start line.”

Jon-Allan Butterworth, a former Royal Air Force technician, seeks to top the Paralympic podium for the first time after winning three silvers four years ago.

London 2012 silver medallist Karen Darke made it to the team after four years of mixing her cycling practices with triathlons, ironman competitions and high profile expeditions such as hand cycling across Cuba.

Megan Giglia, who won two golds at the 2016 Para cycling Track World Championships, and trike rider Hannah Dines will be making their Paralympic debut.

Two female and two male riders plus pilots will compete in the tandem events for visually impaired riders: Stephen Bate and pilot Adam Duggleby, Neil Fachie and pilot Pete Mitchell, Sophie Thornhill and pilot Helen Scott, and Lora Turnham and pilot Corrine Hall.

“It is fantastic to be able to announce such a strong cycling team for Rio 2016,” said Penny Briscoe, Chef de Mission for ParalympicsGB.

“These riders have won plenty of medals on the international stage since London 2012 and I have confidence that they will do the same this summer.

“I look forward to an exciting and competitive 10 days of competition on the track and road in Rio.”

A second team announcement for Para cycling will be held later in the year.

Roster

Jon-Allan Butterworth

Stephen Bate (and Adam Duggleby)

Jody Cundy

Karen Darke

Hannah Dines

Megan Giglia

Neil Fachie (and Pete Mitchell)

David Stone

Dame Sarah Storey

Sophie Thornhill (and Helen Scott)

Lora Turnham (and Corrine Hall)

___

Sport fans from around the world can now buy their Paralympic tickets for Rio 2016 from authorised ticket resellers (ATRs).

The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.