US team for Para Track Cycling Worlds announced

US Paralympics has announced the 18-strong team that will represent the country at the 2018 UCI Para Cycling Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, between 22 and 25 March.

“We’re very excited to return back to Rio de Janeiro, the site of the 2016 Paralympic Games, with these 18 athletes,” said Ian Lawless, director of U.S. Paralympics Cycling. “Our athletes have worked incredibly hard over the winter months, and we’re excited to have them showcase their talents alongside great international competition."

Seven US athletes will aim to defend their world titles on the track in Rio. Four-time Paralympic medallist Joe Berenyi claimed gold medals at the 2017 Track Worlds in Carson, USA, in the men’s 1km time trial C3, team sprint and scratch C1-3 races.

He is joined by Paralympian Chris Murphy, two-time Paralympic gold medallist Shawn Morelli, two-time Paralympic medallist Jamie Whitmore, two-time Paralympic medallist Samantha Bosco, Jason Kimball and five-time Paralympic medallist Jennifer Schuble.

Four world medallists also return to the international stage, including Todd Key, Billy Lister, and tandem Chester Triplett and pilot Stephen Pedone.

Also four national champions will be featured with James Crouse, Sean Culp, Jacob Waters and Justin Widhalm competing. Paralympian Shawn Cheshire and pilot Tela Crane, and Nick Gibb will also be part of the team.

USA finished atop the medals standings at the 2017 Track Worlds with 18 medals (10 golds, four silvers and four bronze).

Full story is available on US Paralympics’ website.