Second podium for Mead in UCI Para Cycling World Cup in Europe

May Day came with celebration for New Zealand para cyclist Rory Mead who earned his second podium at the UCI Para Cycling World Cup in Belgium.

After a bronze medal in the time trial, the US-based out-sprinted American rival Cody Wills for third place in the 40km road race over four laps of the coastal course at Gistel on the North Sea.

In perfect conditions, the Paris Paralympic gold medallist, Frenchman Florian Jouanny backed up his time trial victory with another win in the road race, staged over four laps of a 10km course on a sunny late Spring Day in Belgium.

After a tight battle, Jouanny cleared away from Paris time trial winner, Sergio Garrote Munoz of Sprint to win by over a minute.

With widespread abilities in the H2 Handcycle class, significant gaps grew especially with renowned global stars of the calibre of Jouanny and Munoz setting the standard.

Mead held his own, and became locked in a battle with the American Cody Wills as the pair moved clear of any chasers. Mead had to draw on his sprinting skills to edge out the American in a final sprint, with both riders recording the same time.

“It was another strong performance from Rory who is showing the benefits of a big off-season back in New Zealand,” said Cycling New Zealand lead Paracycling Coach, Brendan Cameron.

“Conditions were perfect. It’s a tricky event for this class as the ability is widespread. It proved not so much a tactical race but how long everyone could hold on to the two leaders, who are absolute world class.

“Rory showed good consistency today and we look forward to doing it again in Italy next week.”

The team pack up tomorrow before flying to Rome tomorrow and then fly to Italy for the final World Cup of the season in Abruzzo, on the Adriatic coastline east of Rome, starting next Thursday.

H2 Road Race, 39.6km: Florian Jouanny (FRA) 1:08.00, 1; Sergio Garrote Munuz (ESP) 1:09.22, 2; Rory Mead (NZL) 1:12.18, 3; Cody Wills (USA) same time, 4.