2018 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships  | Rio De Janeiro  | 22-25 March 2018
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David Nicholas’ (QLD) successful world title defence and bronze to debutant Emily Petricola (VIC) highlighted the Australian Cycling Team’s results on the opening day of the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Rio. 
 
The team also figured just off the podium with four fourth places finishes to Darren Hicks (SA-C2), Simone Kennedy (NSW-C3) and Amanda Reid (NSW-C2) in the individual pursuit, and Kyle Bridgwood (QLD-C4) in the time trial.
 
Reigning Paralympic and world champion Nicholas clocked the fastest time in the afternoon’s qualifying in the men’s C3 individual pursuit (3:36.792). 
 
Nicholas found two extra seconds in the tank in the final (3:34.804) to comfortably defeat Diederick Schelfhout (BEL) in the final by over four seconds.
 
On her team debut, Petricola clocked 41.409secs to win bronze in the C4 women’s 500m time trial.
 
The Championships run March 22-25 and offers the first vital opportunity for nations to grab valuable qualification points towards Tokyo 2020, with the 16-rider Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.
 
Day 1 Results
 
Individual Pursuit

• Darren Hicks (SA-C2) (Qual 3:51.754 / Final 3:51.306) Fourth
• Simone Kennedy (NSW-C3) (Qual 4:19.592 / Final 4:17.662) Fourth
• David Nicholas (QLD-C3) (Qual 3:36.792 / Final 3:34.804) Gold
• Amanda Reid (NSW-C2) (Final Caught) Fourth
• Darcy Thompson (SA-C1) (Qual 4:04.710) Sixth

 
Time Trial

• Meg Lemon (SA-C4) 43.336 Ninth
• Emily Petricola (VIC-C4) 41.409 Bronze
• Kyle Bridgwood (QLD-C4) 1:09.079 Fourth
• Alistair Donohoe (VIC-C5) 1:09.429 Eighth 

Cycling Australia is pleased to announce a 16-rider team for the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships to be held in Rio De Janeiro from 22-55 March 2018.

Reigning world champions Amanda Reid (NSW), David Nicholas (QLD) and Simone Kennedy (NSW) headline the team, which also features Paralympic champions and medallists.

2016 Paralympic Games silver medallists Alistair Donohoe (VIC) and Kyle Bridgwood (QLD) add experience to the team and will both be looking to reclaim world titles on the track.

Darcy Thompson (SA) receives his third national team selection, while Darren Hicks (SA) who claimed two medals at the Road World Championships earns his maiden selection on the track.

National champions Meg Lemon (SA), Emily Petricola (VIC) and Gordon Allan (NSW) will also feature.

2016 world champion and Paralympic bronze medallist Jessica Gallagher (VIC) will be looking to reclaim her sprint title with new Pilot Lara Tucker (QLD) as they eye the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In the men's Tandem events Brad Henderson (SA) and Thomas Clarke (SA-Pilot) will contest the sprint events and Kieran Murphy (SA) and Lachlan Glasspool (SA-Pilot) the endurance races.

Australian Cycling Team for 2018 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships
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• Gordon Allan (NSW-C2)
• Kyle Bridgwood (QLD-C4)
• Alistair Donohoe (VIC-C5)
• Jessica Gallagher (VIC) and Lara Tucker (QLD-Pilot)
• Brad Henderson (SA) and Thomas Clarke (SA-Pilot)
• Darren Hicks (SA-C2)
• Simone Kennedy (NSW-C3)
• Meg Lemon (SA-C4)
• Kieran Murphy (SA) and Lachlan Glasspool (SA-Pilot)
• David Nicholas (QLD-C3)
• Emily Petricola (VIC-C4)
• Amanda Reid (NSW-C2)
• Darcy Thompson (SA-C1)