Maniago 2018: Lauro Chaman ready for the road

Brazilian Para cyclist switching surfaces for upcoming Worlds 31 Jul 2018

male Para cyclist Lauro Chaman celebrates with his family and holds up the Brazil flag

Lauro Chaman won an emotional gold in front of his family at the 2018 Track Worlds in Rio

ⒸFernando Maia/MPIX/CPB

By IPC

“I will forever remember this title. Every athlete dreams of becoming world champion one day, and this time it was my day.”

Lauro Chaman is confident he can continue winning medals for Brazil when he takes part in August’s Road World Championships in Maniago, Italy. The 31-year-old achieved what he described as his “most important victory” last May, when he won in the men’s scratch C4-5 at his home Track Worlds in Rio de Janeiro.

“I must say I dreamed of the day I would win a medal in front of my little son and finally it came true. I already felt fulfilled with the two medals in Rio, but this tops it.”

With Maniago 2018 just around the corner, Chaman hopes to continue making history for his country.

“This year our main focus was the Track World Championships in Rio, but I really hope our team can have a good performance at this Road World Championships as well, bringing medals and good results to Brazil,” he said.

“It is hard to say something about winning titles, but I will do my best to help the Brazilian team.”

Dreams of a champion

Last year, Chaman took gold in the road race and bronze in the time trial at the Road Worlds in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. It was his first major title as a cyclist.

“I will forever remember this title. Every athlete dreams of becoming world champion one day, and this time it was my day.”

As the cycling competitive level grows steadily, Brazil’s most successful Para cyclist ever admits “it is hard to say who our main rivals are because all of them are very competitive.

“I believe we, as a team, never give up under any circumstance. On the other hand, we are still in the process of developing the sport in Brazil and learn from other countries.”

Once the Road Worlds come to an end, Chaman has set clear goals for his future as he prepares to compete at his second Paralympic Games.

“Firstly I want to represent Brazil as well as possible at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games,” he said.

“After that, yes, I want to be part of the team at Tokyo 2020 and win a gold medal.”

The 2018 Road World Championships will take place from 2-5 August.