USA, Australia Para cyclists standout at Worlds

The USA and Australia impressed on Friday (3 March) at the UCI Para cycling Track World Championships in Los Angeles, USA, winning three gold medals each.

The first US Para cyclist to take on the podium was Jennifer Schuble in the women´s 500m time trial C5. She was soon after followed by Shawn Morelli, who won the C4 category´s equivalent event.

“It is really exciting; a lot of people had faith in me more than I had faith in myself,” said Morelli. “I just wanted to ride a personal best in front of a hometown crowd and my family and do the best I could. It ended well for me. It is the best experience racing at this level at home.”

Christopher Murphy continued the USA´s winning ways, dominating the men´s 1km time trial C5 and giving his country the third gold medal of the day, fifth overall.

But Team USA was not the only squad to hear the national anthem three times on Friday, as Australia also took home three golds in the individual pursuit events.

After having won the women´s 500m time trial C2 the day before, Amanda Reid followed that up with another title in the individual pursuit. “It is absolutely incredible! It is very exciting to be back on the podium,” she said.

Rio 2016 champion David Nicholas was the fastest in the men´s C3 category, whilst Simone Kennedy topped the podium in the women´s equivalent.

Great Britain enjoyed success through multiple Paralympic champion Jody Cundy, who sealed gold in the men´s 1km time trial C4.

“This was probably the hardest race I have done so far,” he said. “Getting to full race shape has been hard work, just to pull that performance out.

“That feeling of putting on the rainbow jersey and seeing your flag fly is such a good feeling. Hopefully I can still ride at this level and continue as I get older and older.”

Canadians Ross Wilson (C1) and Tristen Chernove (C2) added a second gold to their haul in the men´s 1km time trial at the World Championships.

“It is wonderful. I am always just delighted to be at this event, surrounded by so many phenomenal athletes,” said Chernove.

“I love it. I really wanted to defend my title and I am happy with the outcome,”

Full story can be found on UCI´s website.