Australia’s Carol Cooke (T2) and Paige Greco (C3) were crowned 2019 UCI Para World Cup Series champions following the third and final round of the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup season in Canada. 
 
After netting twelve medals at each of the first two rounds in Belgium and Italy in May, the Australian Team ended the season with five medals in Baie-Comeau, through Cooke, Greco, plus Darren Hicks (C2) and Grant Allen (H4). 

For the Series, Cooke won four gold and two silver in the time trial and road races held across the three World Cups including dual gold in Canada to cap her 2019 Series. 
 
“I came into this year deciding to just have fun racing and have no expectations of myself and I think that has worked,” said Cooke. “Winning the World Cup series was never on my radar for this year but it’s nice to have done it again.”

Rising star Greco claimed three gold, a bronze and a fifth place across her debut World Cup season. 
“I’ve loved being apart of the Australian team going to the world cups this year,” said Greco. “I’ve learned and gain so much knowledge and taken things away from each race. 

“Coming away with the series win was awesome and has given me the drive to keep improving! Thanks again to the staff on all the trips I couldn’t have achieved it without them.”

Darren Hicks (C2) finished second overall after finishing inside the top four in all six races in the season, including dual time trial gold. 

Grant Allen (H4) ended his season on a high with silver in the road race to finish sixth overall, while Stu Tripp (H5) finished fifth on the standings.     

In the women's C4 classification, Hannah Macdougall and Meg Lemon ended the season in third and fourth respectively despite only contesting the first two rounds. 

The Australian Team has now settled in Italy before heading to Emmen for the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships from September 12-15. 

“I love training in this area and feel very much at home here,” said Cooke, who has used the area as a training base for the last few years. “It’s great because I don’t have to worry about getting over jet lag for Worlds in the Netherlands. 

“It’s amazing to think that the Paralympics are only just over a year away. But first stop is Worlds and it will be tough. 

“There are a number of women who weren’t in Canada so anything can happen! I’ll just continue to do what I’ve done this year...have fun and do the best I can on the day."

The 2019 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup season wraps up in Baie-Comeau, Canada, August 8-11. 

The Australian Team netted twelve medals at each of the the first two rounds in Belgium and Italy in May.

The Australians in action in Canada includes Carol Cooke (T2) and Paige Greco (C3) who boast the World Cup leader's jersey, plus Darren Hicks (C2), Stuart Tripp (H5) and Grant Allen (H4). 
​

• WATCH LIVE at paracyclismebaiecomeau.com 
• RESULTS via uci.org/para-cycling/events

Cycling Australia is pleased to announce the 14 athletes selected to the Australian Team for the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships to be held from 12-15 September in Emmen, the Netherlands.

It has been a stellar opening to the 2019 international season for Australian para-cyclists with a 24-medal haul, including eight gold, captured across the first two rounds of the 2019 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup season in May.

Seven-time world champion Carol Cooke (VIC), reigning world champion Emilie Miller (NSW), and newcomer Paige Greco (SA) have been selected following their superb start to 2019 which sees them wearing the World Cup leader's jerseys in their respective categories.

2019 world champion on the track Emily Petricola (VIC) receives her first road team selection, with 2018 Road World Championship medallists Kaitlyn Schurmann (VIC), Hannah Macdougall (VIC) and Meg Lemon (SA) also selected.

Reigning road champion Alistair Donohoe (VIC), dual Paralympic champion David Nicholas (QLD) and Darren Hicks (SA) will all be eager to add a road world title to the rainbow jerseys claimed at the 2019 Track World Championships in March.

The Australian Team will contest the third round of the World Cup in Canada in August ahead of September's World Championships.

Offering valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the Championships will see the Australian Team vie against 200 of the world's best from 30 countries in the road races and time trials.

Australian Team

• Alex Welsh (VIC) H3
• Emilie Miller (NSW) H1
• Stuart Tripp (VIC) H5
• Kaitlyn Schurmann (VIC) C1
• Darren Hicks (SA) C2
• Paige Greco (SA) C3
• David Nicholas (QLD) C3
• Emily Petricola (VIC) C4
• Meg Lemon (SA) C4
• Hannah Macdougall (VIC) C4
• Alistair Donohoe (VIC) C5
• Carol Cooke (VIC) T2
• Stuart Jones (NSW) T2
• Gabrielle Vassallo* (NSW) T1

​* Selection dependent upon further medical signoff

The Australian team continued its superb start to the 2019 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup season with a twelve medal haul in Belgium's second round, equalling the team's opening round performance in Italy. 

In another stellar display, the team netted six gold for the round with Carol Cooke (T2) and Emilie Miller (H1) winning dual gold and the World Cup leader's jerseys in their respective categories.

"I'm extremely proud of my start to the international season here in Ostend. I am incredibly humbled and surprised to receive the World Cup leaders jersey, and two golds tops off a great week," said the dual reigning world champion Miller.

"I am pleased with the execution of my technical skills throughout the time trial, which has been a major focus for this early part of the season, and my road race was my best result for this competition and my best ever road race performance.

"I believe I exceeded where we thought I would be at in this early part of the year and it's great to see I'm just building on the form I found at the 2018 World Champs.

"A massive thanks to all the Australian Cycling Team staff and my home coaches who make the magic happen."

"I came into this season with no expectations, really wanting to have fun racing and just do the best that I could. It is such an important year for us to gain points for Tokyo so I’m happy to have been able to do my part," said Cooke, the 2018 T2 World Cup champion, who claimed dual silver in last week's opening round in Italy.

"I always knew it would be difficult in Italy due to the climbing involved and my German competitor, Jana, being an amazing climber. So I was just happy to come away with the two silvers.

"In round two in Belgium, I knew it was a good time trial course for me and I’m happy racing in the wind. The road race was probably one of the best our category has ever had, everyone picking it up a year out from Paralympic Games. With four of us sprinting to the line I just had to dig deep and go for it."

Paige Greco (C3), who claimed dual gold in the opening round of the World Cup in Italy, added a third gold to her haul with victory in the time trial, while Darren Hicks won the C2 race against the clock. 

Greco also claimed bronze in the road race which secured her the World Cup leader's jersey. Hannah MacDougall (C4) claimed road race silver. 

In other time trial results, Stuart Tripp (MH5) claimed silver, while a heroic effort from Stuart Jones (MT2) saw him win bronze after breaking his collarbone in a mid-race crash.

Emily Petricola (C4) won her maiden World Cup road medal with time trial silver, while Meg Lemon (C4) shared the podium after winning bronze.  

The Australian Team for September's 2019 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships will be announced by Cycling Australia on June 5. 

The third round of the World Cup will be held in Baie-Comeau, Canada, in August. 

Results 

• Results votrecourse.com
• Series Info uci.org

Athlete Membership for 2019

​Podium

• Gordon Allan - Track
• Carol Cooke - Road
• Alistair Donohoe - Track/Road
• Paige Greco - Track/Road
• Darren Hicks - Track/Road
• Meg Lemon - Track/Road
• Hannah Macdougall - Road
• Emilie Miller - Road
• David Nicholas - Track/Road
• Emily Petricola - Track
• Amanda Reid - Track
• Kaitlyn Schurmann - Road

 
Podium Ready

• Stuart Tripp - Road
• Jessica Gallagher - Track
• Madison Janssen - Track
• Brad Henderson - Track
• Luke Zaccaria - Track
• Kieran Murphy - Track/Road
• Lachlan Glasspool - Track/Road

 
Podium Potential

• Grant Allen - Road
• Stuart Jones - Road
• Michael Shippley - Track
• Darcy Thompson - Track

Victoria's Alistair Donohoe claimed a fifth career world title with stirring victory in the C5 individual pursuit at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands. 

In a near personal best ride (4:27.456) to top the afternoon qualifying session, Donohoe overtook his Ukrainian opponent Yehor Dementyev in the final to take the world title. 

"I was a bit nervous and unsure going into today's rides really," said Donohoe. "I knew I was in really good shape from the summer of racing I've had, just wasn't sure how that would translate into times today!

"I knew going in I just had to really control the start and not go out too hot, I'd seen a lot of people earlier on going out really quickly and paying for it in the tail end of their pursuit. Being round seven of nine, I still had three really good riders coming up behind me to I just had to put them out of my mind and try to execute the best ride I could and be happy with that. 

"Happy, surprised, pumped, shocked, that's probably how I was feeling after the qualifying time. I didn't think I had that time in me but the coaches believed in me and I believed in them so it worked!

"Heading into the final, I had the same thoughts again, just go out and ride your ride for the first half of the four kilometres, then worry about racing him. I was lucky enough to put some good time into him early and get the catch so it made for a short and sweet final round.

"Overwhelmed and happy as Larry I am!"

After claiming his fifth career world title - second on the track - Donohoe paid tribute to the team and his support staff. "This team is backing each other so much and creating such a positive environment I think it's really bringing the most out of all the riders. One of the most relaxed and constructive teams I've been amongst.

"I'd love to thank my family for all their love, support and encouragement that makes doing what I do so much easier!

"To my coach Nick Owen for backing me and giving me the confidence and ability to get out there and rip it and have fun.  To the CA coaches on this trip for putting in the finishing touches and ironing out the wrinkles to allow me to stand on the top step today.

"The support around me is second to none and it feels as though I've had the easiest job out of them all!"

About 

​The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world's best from 30 countries.

Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world's best from 30 countries. 

More
 

• #AusCyclingTeam Hub
• Results 
• Official Website 

Photos

​Casey B. Gibson 

Victoria's Emily Petricola is celebrating after claiming both the world record and world title in the C4 individual pursuit at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands. 

In a stunning afternoon qualifying ride, Petricola broke her own world record with a time of 3mins 53.297secs for the three-kilometre event.  In the final, Canada's Kelly Shaw was no match with Petricola overtaking her opponent before the finish line to take the gold. 

"The world record was very unexpected and unplanned, so it is hard describe or articulate exactly how I felt," said Petricola, however the Victorian could detail the meticulous planning involved since winning silver at 2018 World Championships after also breaking the world record in qualifying. 

"I spent a lot of time over the course of the last twelve months identifying exactly what went wrong last year and what I needed to change so I didn't have the same outcome this year," she said. "I've worked really hard with both Shane Kelly and Cameron Jennings on controlling my riding so I can go faster in a second pursuit ride than in qualifying.

"This is difficult for me as I do tend to get a bit excited on race day, but I really did my best to follow the instructions being given to me throughout and, thankfully, today we executed two good, fast rides to get the rainbows."

Relocating from Melbourne to the Australian Cycling Team headquarters in Adelaide earlier this year, Petricola was quick to thank coaches in both cities.

"I have to thank first and foremost Cam Jennings for his coaching guidance and support. Shane Kelly who until my recent relocation spent a huge amount of time and energy teaching me so much; Harry Brennan for his expertise and support I in more areas than he is obliged to provide.

"But to all CA staff that are here with us - they have been beyond incredible including Warren McDonald, Keren Faulkner, Eliza Smythe, Nick Formosa, Mikey Winter, Jade Lean, Nathan Jennings and Louise Marvin.

​"All my friends and family that have provided unending patience in their support of me doing this."

Later in the sessions, Petricola backed up her gold medal performance with a bronze in the C4 scratch race. 

Team mate Meg Lemon took silver in the scratch race, while also taking bronze in the individual pursuit. 

About 

The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. 

Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.
​
More
 

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© Casey B. Gibson

Sydney's Gordon Allan celebrated his maiden World Championship medal with silver in the C2 1km time trial final at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling World Championships in the Netherlands on Friday. 

In amazing scenes, Allan covered the four laps in just a tick under fifty kilometres per hour to set a new world record with a superb time of 1min 12.873secs.

However in the very next ride, the final competitor to take to the track in Colombia’s Alejandro Perea just pipped the Australian's new mark by 0.005secs (1min12.838secs). 

About 

The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. 

Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.

More
 

• #AusCyclingTeam Hub
• Results 
• Official Website 

Photos 

© Casey B. Gibson
​

Twenty-four hours after smashing the individual pursuit world record on her way to winning a maiden world title, debutant Paige Greco was at it again in the C3 500m Time Trial.

The Adelaide cyclist took her second world title in as many days in a blistering time of 39.442secs which smashed the previous mark by almost two seconds.

"I am very happy, two good rides, I still can’t believe it," said Greco, a former stand out on the athletics track who has been cycling for little more than twelve months, who has already turned her attention to improving her world's best times. "I’m looking forward to getting back into training and keep working at it.

"I’ve only been in the sport for a short time but this has given me the determination to keep training and working on the things I need to improve on.

​"I want to thank all the coaches for their ongoing support and my coach back home Loz couldn’t have done it without them."

About 

The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. 

Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.

More
 

• #AusCyclingTeam Hub
• Results 
• Official Website 

Photos 

© Casey B. Gibson

Sydney's Amanda Reid is celebrating after setting a new world record way to claiming the C2 time trial world title at the UCI Para-cycling Track Worlds in the Netherlands on Friday.

The second last rider to take to the Apeldoorn track to complete the two laps, Reid scorched the track in 45.564km/hour to clock the new mark of 39.505secs.  The previous holder Alyda Norbruis (NED) was unable to better Reid's time in the final ride, giving Reid the gold.

"I still don’t think this is real," said Reid.  "It took a while to sink in what I had actually done and the time I had just rode.

"Now that it has all sunk in, the feeling is unbelievable, a world title is amazing and the world record on top of that is like a dream come true for me.

"I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing support system and without them this wouldn’t be possible."

About 

The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. 

Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.

More
 

• #AusCyclingTeam Hub
• Results 
• Official Website 

Photos 

© Casey B. Gibson

#Apeldoorn2019 Day 1 Recap 

It was a triple treat for the Australian Cycling Team on the opening day of the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands with Paige Greco, Darren Hicks and David Nicholas claiming individual pursuit world titles. 

Debutant Paige Greco (SA) announced herself in the best way possible with a world record in qualifying and the world title in the C3 individual pursuit. 

Greco, who only began cycling two years ago, scorched the Apeldoorn track time of 4mins 0.206secs in qualifying to smash the existing world record by three seconds. 

The 22-year-old Adelaide cyclist proved it was no fluke as she posted 4mins 1.609secs in the final, even after overtaking her German opponent Denise Schindler. 

“I was really happy with the world record and then happy I could back it up in the final,” said Greco. 

About 

The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. 

Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.

More
 

• #AusCyclingTeam Hub
• Results 
• Official Website 

Photos 

© Casey B. Gibson

#Apeldoorn2019 Day 1 Recap 

It was a triple treat for the Australian Cycling Team on the opening day of the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands with Paige Greco, Darren Hicks and David Nicholas claiming individual pursuit world titles. 

Queensland’s David Nicholas celebrated a third straight world crown in C3 individual pursuit category. 

“It feels so awesome, I can't explain the feeling,” Nicholas said. “It is hard to believe, but yes it is my third pursuit world title in a row. It takes a lot of effort to stay on top, but it is all worth it to get the rainbow jersey!”

Fastest qualifier in the afternoon session (3:30.775), Nicholas, 27, powered to a personal best 3mins 29.879secs on his ways to an eight-second victory in the final over Spain’s Eduardo Santas.

“My strategy in the qualifying was to ride a time that would earn me a place the gold medal ride, but I was rolling fast, and I qualified first. In the final, I set myself a goal as my PB and achieved that.”

The reigning Paralympic champion Nicholas was quick to praise his support team. 

“Thanks so much to Cycling Australia for all the help and support this year. Thanks to my coach Nick Formosa for everything he has done for me.”

About 

The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. 

Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.

More
 

• #AusCyclingTeam Hub
• Results 
• Official Website 

Photos 

© Casey B. Gibson

#Apeldoorn2019 Day 1 Recap

It was a triple treat for the Australian Cycling Team on the opening day of the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands with Paige Greco, Darren Hicks and David Nicholas claiming individual pursuit world titles. Read More.

“Right now I think I’m feeling every emotion possible,” said Darren Hicks after claiming his maiden world title. “I am excited & relieved, and in disbelief, I can't quite comprehend that I've finally got my first world championship and rainbow jersey, it's crazy!”

Second fastest in C2 Individual Pursuit qualifying (3:42.709) behind Tristan Chernove (CAN) by less than half a second, before Hicks turned the tables on his Canadian opponent by three seconds in the final (3:45.390).  

“My plan for qualifying was the same thing we have been working on for months, that is until I came through on my second lap six-tenths up on my schedule,” said Hicks revealing it not all went according to his pre-race plan. “After that, it was 'hold on for dear life' and get through those last ten laps without blowing my left leg apart!! In the end, I think I was fortunate to scrape in as the second qualifier, but hey, I'll take some luck going my way for a change!

“The final was a chance to make right what I did wrong in the qualifier, but unfortunately the tank was pretty empty from leaving it all out there on my first ride. So, in the end, I just settled to my schedule as best I could and tried to be as smooth as possible, the time is a little disappointing but in the end, the time doesn't matter in a medal ride off, just as long as you cross the line first.”

The win comes after a tumultuous year for the 34-year-old Adelaide cyclist who in January had charges against him dropped for a freeway truck crash that killed two people in 2014, the same accident in which Hicks lost his right leg.

“It has been a full on year, it was a long, agonising, very expensive road but it's behind me now, and I can finally focus fully on my racing,” Hicks said. “I just would like to say thanks to everyone that's helped me get to where I am today. I'm very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and am glad I could bring home the chocolates for the first time on the big stage!

“A thank you to my awesome wife who supports me galavanting around the world riding my bike, your unreal babe, and I can't wait to show you the new bling!!”

About 

The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. 

Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.

More
 

• #AusCyclingTeam Hub
• Results 
• Official Website 

Photos 

© Casey B. Gibson

The Australian team has settled into a chilly Apeldoorn in the Netherlands ahead of the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships which run 14-17 March.

The Championships offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world's best from 30 countries. 

While it snows outside, many members of the team including former world champions Alistair Donohoe (VIC) has opted for time in the sauna! 

Former world champion Tandem pairing Jessica Gallagher (VIC) and Pilot Madison Janssen (VIC) fine-tuned their preparations for the Championships at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Switzerland after the pair received an invitation to attend the International Training Camp. Read more.  

In the men's Tandem events Brad Henderson (SA) will be piloted by Luke Zaccaria.

The team will also feature reigning world champion David Nicholas (QLD), plus former world champions Amanda Reid (NSW) and Simone Kennedy (NSW).
 
​Emily Petricola (VIC) returns to the team following her outstanding debut at the 2018 World Championships which saw her bring home dual medals and the individual pursuit world record.

2018 World Championship scratch race silver medalist Darren Hicks (SA) will look to continue his strong form with a focus towards the timed events, while Paige Greco (SA), Michael Shippley (QLD) and Daniel Van der Laan (NSW) will make their national team debut. 

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​Australian Para-cycling duo Jessica Gallagher and Pilot Madison Janssen will fine-tune their final preparations for the 2019 Track World Championships at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Switzerland after the pair received an invitation to attend the International Training Camp. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to train in a new environment and experience the high-performance centre,” said Gallagher. “We are looking forward to training alongside and learning from the international riders and in particular tandems as we don’t get to experience this in our daily training environment in Australia. 

“The centre encompasses all the facilities an athlete needs which will allow us to focus on our final preparations and being based in the Swiss Alps, we think it will have some pretty nice views too!”

The trip will provide another opportunity for Janssen to hone her skills in the specialised Pilot role and the Victorian is aiming to absorb as much as possible across the two-week camp. 

“I have been blessed to have some great coaches in the past such as Jason Niblett and Alex Bird and currently I have been under the watchful eye of one of the best sprint coaches Shane Kelly,” Janssen explained. “So for me, it will be taking in how others coach a tandem, and it will be nice to pick up some new things and bring them back home.” 

The duo won dual silver at the 2018 World Championships in Rio, and are chasing their own personal best in Apeldoorn while watching for the strong British outfit. 
 
“Coming off two second places at both the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games in 2018 we are looking to bridge the gap between us and Great Britain who took home all four gold in 2018 (in World Record times),”  said Gallagher, “While also knowing there are some teams hot on our heels, so it’s going to be a tight competition! 

“Personal best performances will put us in strong contention.”

Janssen is confident the team can deliver following a solid build up in Australia prior to the camp.  
 
“I think for us as a pairing; it is an excellent opportunity to nail everything that we have worked on over the past few months,” said Janssen. “And if we execute these things then I can see us achieving our goals, any time less than previous is one step closer to the top step.”

Gallagher is also excited about a new opportunity to race in the Tandem team sprint which will be held for the first time at the 2019 World Championships. 

“While it is an exhibition event this year we are excited the UCI is acknowledging the incredible spectator events that tandem sprint racing is and giving us the opportunity to show it to the World in the hope that it may become a Paralympic event in the future. “

Gallagher and Janssen will depart Switzerland on March 10 to join the Australian team in Apeldoorn for the Championships which will be the first Paralympic qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. 

“It’s exciting to think of the big 18 months ahead, Tokyo is firmly in sight, and with the World Champs being the first qualification opportunity, the whole Australian team is focused on putting their best foot forward,” Gallagher added. 

The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. Website.

Cycling Australia is pleased to announce a 17-rider team for the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships to be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March.

The Championships offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries.

The selections feature a host of reigning and former world champions including David Nicholas (QLD), Amanda Reid (NSW), Simone Kennedy (NSW), Alistair Donohoe (VIC) and Kyle Bridgwood (QLD),plus the Tandem pairing of Jessica Gallagher (VIC) and Pilot Madison Janssen (VIC).

Emily Petricola (VIC) returns to the team following her outstanding debut at the 2018 World Championships which saw her bring home dual medals and the individual pursuit world record.

“The world record, it’s a lovely sort of thing that I'll be proud of when I look back on my career, but at this moment for me it’s just about trying to be better than what I’ve been before, to try to make sure that there’s no one better than me on that day,” said Petricola, who unofficially bettered her existing world mark on the way to the National crown last December.

2018 World Championship silver medalist in the scratch race Darren Hicks (SA) will look to continue his strong form with a focus towards the timed events.

“It’s just exciting to go into 2019 with a lot ahead rather than just the time trial so I’m excited,” said Hicks, who went within two seconds of the 3-kilometre individual pursuit world record (set at altitude) at December’s Nationals. “The individual pursuit has never really been a focus, but I’d like to run a three 41 or a 42 just to reassure myself that it’s something I can do every time we get to any track in the world.”

Newcomer Paige Greco (SA), who shone at December’s Track Nationals in Melbourne, will make her national team debut, as will Michael Shippley (QLD) and Daniel Van der Laan (NSW).

“It’s (Australian team selection) has been a goal since I moved to Adelaide, so I am thrilled and excited,” said Greco, who announced herself on the para-cycling scene with dual national records and gold at the 2018 Track Nationals. “My goal at worlds is a PB (personal best time), but I’ve got some things I need to work on.  

“I’m also really looking forward to the team environment as it will be excellent to get some advice from the more experienced riders and see how they handle the pressure.”

In the men's Tandem events Brad Henderson (SA) is confirmed, with his Pilot to be named at a later date.

The Australian Cycling Team will head to Brisbane in late January for a team training camp and UCI Category 2 event before heading to the Netherlands in late March.

The Team celebrated ten medals at the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Rio, the fourth most by any nation behind Great Britain, Netherlands and China.

ATHLETE (STATE) CLASSIFICATION

• Emily Petricola (VIC) C4
• Paige Greco (SA) C3
• Meg Lemon (SA) C4
• Amanda Reid (NSW) C2
• Simone Kennedy (NSW) C3
• Jessica Gallagher (VIC) + Madison Janssen (Pilot) WB Tandem
• David Nicholas (QLD) C3
• Darren Hicks (SA) C2
• Alistair Donohoe (VIC) C5
• Kyle Bridgwood (QLD) C4
• Gordon Allan (NSW) C2
• Michael Shippley (QLD) C4
• Daniel Van der Laan (NSW) C5
• Darcy Thompson C1 (SA)
• Brad Henderson* + (Pilot TBC) 

Petricola will be looking to defend her C4 national pursuit crown, an event in which she shocked the para-cycling world in 2018 after breaking the world record in qualifying at the World Championships in March.

“When I look back at 2018 I'm pretty shocked at what a huge year it has been, in particular thinking back to the world champs and the results there, it all seems a bit surreal,” said Petricola, who claimed World Championship silver in both the pursuit and time trial.  

While only having begun cycling a couple of years ago, Petricola was quickly selected to the Australian Cycling Team and has committed to the program by moving back to Melbourne after three years working in the United Arab Emirates.

“I have gone from training on my own all the time in the middle of the desert on a trainer most of the time, to be a part of the bigger machine of Cycling Australia and more locally, the VIS,” added Petricola, who will race both the time trial and pursuit this week on her home track at DISC before tackling FedUni RoadNats in January. “

"With so much change, I've certainly had to be a bit more resilient and persevere as I reestablish my life in Australia. But now that things are settling down a bit, I'm starting to find my rhythm and looking forward to getting some positive results over the coming months.”

Former world champions Alistair Donohoe (VIC), Kyle Bridgwood (QLD), Amanda Reid (NSW), Simone Kennedy (NSW), plus Jessica Gallagher (VIC) who will be piloted by Madison Janssen (VIC) in the Tandem events, will be in action.

The Para-cycling National Championships will be held in conjunction with the 2019 Omnium Championships.

#ParaTrackNats Quick Guide

• What Tandem Championships in the time trial, sprint and pursuit; ‘C’ Championships in the time trial and pursuit.
• Who Australia’s best para-cyclists
• When
  • Thursday 13 December – Time Trials.  From 12pm.
  • Friday 14 December: Pursuits & Tandem Sprint. Qualifying from 10am, Finals from 4pm.
• Where DISC Velodrome
• Tickets Online at the door
• Results  liveresults.cycling.org.au 
• Follow  tracknationals.org.au  |  #tracknats 

Australia is celebrating a successful end to the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup season with five gold and a total of fourteen medals at the third and final round in Canada.
 
In the season ending honours, Carol Cooke (WT2) and Stuart Tripp (MH5) were crowned overall UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup champions. 
 
Cooke never missed the podium in 2018, claiming three victories, two seconds and one third on the season to edge close rival Jill Walsh on a count back. 
 
Tripp claimed three wins from four races, including two gold in the final round, to claim the leader’s jersey.
 
In other final season results, Alistair Donohoe (MC5) two silvers in the final round moved him to third overall on the Series, while Meg Lemon (WC4) also finished third after two podiums to end the year, just ahead of Hannah MacDougall (WC4) in fourth.
 
Kyle Bridgwood (MC4) finished fourth overall after contesting just two of the three rounds, while Darren Hicks (MC2) was eighth after winning his only two races of the season in round one.

The results capped off a strong season for the Australian Cycling Team which netted twelve medals, including three rainbow jerseys, at the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Maniago, Italy earlier this month.
 
Round 3 Summary of Results

• Stuart Tripp MH5 – Road Race gold; Time trial gold
• Carol Cooke WT2 – Time trial gold; road race bronze
• Stuart Jones MT2 – Time trial bronze; Road race 8th
• Meg Lemon WC4 – Road race gold; Time trial silver
• Hannah MacDougall WC4 – Time trial gold; Road race silver
• Alistair Donohoe MC5 – Time trial silver; Road race silver
• David Nicholas MC3 – Road race bronze
• Kyle Bridgwood MC4 - Road race bronze; Time trial silver

 
​While his legacy will be felt around the sport and the Australian Cycling Team for years to come, the sport has also left a lasting impression on Peter.

“Generally I will take away the highest respect and admiration for the Para-cyclists who welcomed my support as many needed to demonstrate abilities to overcome adversity and challenges almost on a daily basis, that most able-bodied cyclists couldn’t begin to consider.

“I take away a great deal of personal pride in knowing I did the best I possibly could with the resources available and also great satisfaction realising the developed lifelong friendships with colleagues and athletes.

“I am proud of the people I worked with and am extremely confident that the greatly enhanced operating structure that is currently in place will serve to progress the Para-cycling program through to the Tokyo Paralympics.”

Peter paid tribute to his strong support network across Australia.

“Of course as with everything in life many people influence you, assist you and like how a great athlete makes you look good, so does a great support team.

​“In the beginning, I was entirely at sea with what was effectively a two-man show, Tom Skulander and I appreciate his guidance. To the Golden Rainbow, Murray Lydeamore volunteering his services as Team Manager which saw us do every World Track and Road Championship 2010 – 2016 and two Paralympics.  

“Throughout the years I enjoyed support from SIS/SAS coaches, and I particularly enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Kipp Kaufmann (Cycling Victoria/Australia), and I must recognise him for his efforts to take Para-cycling competition into environments of higher profile and recognition.

“To the Australian Paralympic Committee and special thanks to Kate McLoughlin, a big thank you to Paul Brosnan for his support and direction in his role of General Manager Australian Cycling Team​, and to Kevin Tabotta’s and the progress that was made with Para-cycling integration within the High Performance program.

“I must recognise the long-term commitment from Keren Faulkner, Nick Formosa, Michael Winter, Eliza Smyth, Berthy May and Dan Brent as integral to our program and more recently Cameron Jennings, Nick Owen and excellent administration support from Nathan Jennings.

“I also enjoyed this past year working with Simon Jones as Performance Director; I appreciated Simon allowing me the autonomy to get on with delivering stated goals and objectives as we build the required momentum towards medal-winning performances Tokyo 2020.”

The Australian Cycling Team collected twelve medals, including three rainbow jerseys, at the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Maniago, Italy.

​Bathurst’s Emilie Miller (H1 Handcycle) won time trial and road race gold, while Melbourne’s Alistair Donohoe (C5) claimed his third career road world title.

The Victorian trio of Carol Cooke (T2 - Tricycle) and Hannah Macdougall (C4) won dual silver in the road race and time trial, as did debutant Kaitlyn Schurmann (C1).

​Kyle Bridgwood and Meg Lemon won bronze in the C4 time trial finals, with Darren Hicks claiming bronze in the C2 road race.

Seven-time world champion Cooke was content with her dual silver medal-winning performance.

“I came into these World Championships hoping to bring home the world champion stripes, and I was in the best shape of my life,” said Cooke, who finished behind the USA’s Jill Walsh in both races.  “I had my race plans in place and rode them perfectly, gave everything that I had. Unfortunately for me someone else, Jill was faster on both days.

“But I am very proud to have done my best, and for me that is the success, doing my best in any race.  Two silver medals aren't too shabby! I am very happy to have been on the podium.”

A leader on and off the bike, Cooke, 56, recognised the growth and improving quality Tricycle racing, while also revealing the results of her teammates inspire her.

“The Trike class is growing and becoming stronger, and I am happy to be part of that growth.  

“It has just made me hungrier for the next racing against Jill which will happen in a couple of weeks away in Canada at the last World Cup.

“It was also great to see my teammates do so well, Kaitlyn Schurmann in her first ever World Championship taking two silver and Emilie Miller winning two gold!  Watching them ride is so inspiring.”

Cooke also paid tribute to retiring Cycling Australia’s Technical Director of Para-cycling Peter Day.  

“We have an amazing team which has been put together by Peter over the last ten years, and it is with a heavy heart that we will be saying goodbye to his leadership in September.  

However, we all wish him the best in his retirement, and I am sure that his wife Cheryl will be more than happy to have him at home!”

Like Cooke, Macdougall was ecstatic with her dual podium appearance in the road race and time trial. 

"I am feeling absolutely awesome, am super stoked to pick up two silvers, and it was even more special to share the time trial podium with my Aussie teammate Meg," said Macdougall.

"The time trial was one of the most interesting and scenic courses we have had - not that I got to take a lot of it in - I raced and paced it well, crossing the line knowing I had given it everything I had.

"I am super proud of the race and of my performance, 200% improvement on my total career medals.

"But results like that aren’t an individual effort and I am so grateful to our support team."

 
​Official results: visit the UCI website.

2018 Australian Cycling Team - UCI Para Road World Championships Summary

• Kyle Bridgwood (QLD) C4 - Bronze time trial, 12th road race
• Meg Lemon (SA) C4 - Bronze time trial; 4th road race  
• Hannah Macdougall (VIC) C4  - Silver road race & time trial
• David Nicholas (QLD) C3 - 5th road race; 6th time trial
• Darren Hicks (SA) C2 - Bronze road race; 4th time trial
• Kaitlyn Schurmann (VIC) C1 - Silver road race & time trial
• Stuart Jones (NSW) T2 - 9th time trial
• Carol Cooke (VIC) T2 - Silver road race & time trial
• Grant Allan (SA) H4 8th road race, 18th time trial
• Alistair Donohoe (VIC) C5 - Gold road race; 4th time trial
• Kieran Murphy & Lachlan Glasspool (SA) Tandem
• Grant Nickel (NSW) H1 10th road race & 10th time trial
• Emilie Miller (NSW) H1 Gold road race & time trial
• Stuart Tripp (VIC) H5 - 5th road race, 5th time trial

The Australian Cycling Team collected twelve medals, including three rainbow jerseys, at the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Maniago, Italy.

Bathurst’s Emilie Miller (H1 Handcycle) won time trial and road race gold, while Melbourne’s Alistair Donohoe (C5) claimed his third career road world title. 

The Victorian trio of Carol Cooke (T2 - Tricycle) and Hannah Macdougall (C4) won dual silver in the road race and time trial, as did debutant Kaitlyn Schurmann (C1). 

Kyle Bridgwood and Meg Lemon won bronze in the C4 time trial finals, with Darren Hicks claiming bronze in the C2 road race. 

The Australian Cycling Team collected twelve medals, including three rainbow jerseys, at the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Maniago, Italy.

Bathurst’s Emilie Miller (H1 Handcycle) won time trial and road race gold, while Melbourne’s Alistair Donohoe (C5) claimed his third career road world title - read more.

The Victorian trio of Carol Cooke (T2 - Tricycle) and Hannah Macdougall (C4) won dual silver in the road race and time trial, as did debutant Kaitlyn Schurmann (C1).
​
Kyle Bridgwood and Meg Lemon won bronze in the C4 time trial finals, with Darren Hicks claiming bronze in the C2 road race.