Sport Week: Five cyclists to look out for at Rio 2016

Israel Hilario Rimas, PER

The 41-year-old is hoping to secure Peru’s first Paralympic medal in 12 years and their first ever in cycling after a memorable season in 2015. Rimas brought home his first ever world title with victory in the road race C2 at the UCI Para cycling Road World Championships in Nottwil, Switzerland. He also finished with a bronze in the C2 time trial at the same event. Earlier last year, Rimas won two golds at the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup in Maniago, Italy, and Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland.

Alex Zanardi, ITA

Alex Zanardi will be looking to repeat his London 2012 title. Last year was an indication the 49-year-old is still on course to add more medals to his Paralympic tally, after finishing second on the world rankings. The Italian will look to continue his consistent high performances at September’s Paralympic Games and prove that age is no barrier for success.

Iwona Podkoscielna, POL

The 46-year-old is heading into her first Paralympic Games full of confidence after an outstanding year in 2015, finishing top of the world rankings and winning double gold at the UCI Para cycling Road World Championships in Nottwill, Switzerland. Podkoscielna also enjoyed success on the track, finishing among the top six in three events at the 2015 UCI Para cycling Track World Championships in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.

Sarah Storey, GBR

The 38-year-old, who claimed gold at last March’s Track World Championships, has won six cycling Paralympic gold medals both on the track and the road. Based on her past Paralympic performances, it would be hard to imagine her not adding to her medal tally in Rio.

Alyda Norbruis, NED

With four years more experience under her belt after winning silver at London 2012, the Dutch 27-year-old is hoping to win her first Paralympic gold in Rio. Last year, Norbruis shined at the track World Championships on home soil, winning the the 500m time trial, 3km pursuit and scratch race titles, and leaving the Championships as the biggest individual medal winner.

Editor’s note: Each sport on the Rio 2016 Paralympic programme will have a dedicated week of featured content published on paralympic.org. Every week a new sport will be featured and the series will run until September’s Games, helping the public understand more about the 22 sports being contested in Rio.

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