The UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships, which started on March 26 in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, has kicked off the UCI Para-cycling season with cyclists hoping to qualify for a spot in the Rio 2016 Olympics.
From left to right: Juan Odendaal, Mike Burns (Team Manager), Roxy Burns, Dane Wilson, Corne Bence (Team Coach) and Craig Ridgard. Photo: Supplied
The first South African rider in the starting blocks on Day 1 of the World Championships was seasoned rider Roxy Burns (C3 class), who claimed 5th place in the individual time trial.
She was certain that a podium finish would be easily within her grasp later in the year and going into 2016.
Craig Ridgard (C2 class), who has engaged in track racing for only the past six months, rode his time trial exactly to plan.
Ridgard, who favours longer race distances, is certain to work his way up the ranking of finish positions in the rest of the championship programme, from his 18th place finish in the time trial.
Juan Odendaal, who has just made the transition from junior to senior Para-cycling, carried himself remarkably well in his first ever major international event finishing 16th in the time trial.
The experienced rider Dane Wilson (C5) was the last of South Africa’s riders to compete on the day finishing 11th in the time trial.
“Based on the trajectory of rider performances during 2014, the prospects are extremely good that the ultimate goal of three medal wins at Rio 2016 will be achieved,” said Cycling South Africa team manager Mike Burns.
