Back To News
Australia’s summer of track cycling begins tomorrow (1 November) when the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane, QLD, hosts the 2020 Para-cycling Track National Championships.
Australia’s Para-cycling stars will be on show, including reigning world champions Alistair Donohoe, Amanda Reid, Darren Hicks, David Nicholas, Emily Petricola and Paige Greco.
Petricola, the reigning women’s individual pursuit C4 world champion and world record holder, is eager to get back on the track to begin the build towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
“I really want to go out and have a solid performance in the pursuit,” said Petricola, who lines up on Saturday for the individual pursuit, will also contest three other events.
“I’m keen to see how my starts go, as generally, that is my weak spot due to my impairment [multiple sclerosis].
“I would really like to do a good 500m [time trial]. I love the 500m, find it really fun, and I am having a crack at the team sprint with Paige and Amanda, which will be fun.”
South Australia’s Darren Hicks will sport his rainbow jersey in the men’s individual pursuit C2 on Saturday, with the world champion looking for new ways to go even faster as he targets a maiden Paralympic selection.
“It is important to do well at a National Championships, but it will be a bit of a testing event for me as we will be using it to learn a few things about myself and the bike,” Hicks said. “We have changed a few things we are hoping we can utilise further into next year and towards Tokyo.
“My main goal is to come out and do a ride similar to what I have done before, and if we run a reasonable time with different equipment, I will consider it a big success.”
The action begins on Friday afternoon with the time trial, followed by the pursuit and sprint on Saturday morning. The team sprint and scratch race will conclude the Championships on Sunday morning.
The Championships provide a key racing opportunity for Australia’s Para-cyclists as they continue their charge towards the 2020 Paralympic Games.
Australia’s Para-cyclists will also be in action at the Anna Meares Velodrome in December for a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Category 1 Para-cycling event, which will be held in conjunction with the 2019-2020 UCI Track Cycling World Cup.
By Cycling Australia
Posted: 31/10/2019
Photo with thanks to Casey Gibson / Cycling Australia
