New Zealand Para cyclist Rory Mead is excited about his world championship prospects and a longer view towards the Los Angeles Paralympic Games after strong performances in two UCI World Cup competitions in Europe.
The 39-year-old hand-cyclist, who sustained a spinal cord injury while racing professional motocross 12 years ago, has completed his best UCI World Cup campaign.
Mead enjoyed two podiums in the time trial and road race in Belgium last week, along with a time trial podium and fifth in a photo finish in today’s road race in Abruzzo, Italy.
Cycling New Zealand Lead Paracycling Coach, Brendan Cameron said a chest infection had affected his road race ambitions today, with Mead reporting some low energy levels in the road race.
“He felt ok on the wheels but every time he climbed over the bridge where the pace went on, some gaps were created,” said Cameron.
However, Mead has completed an impressive campaign after an intensive preparation back home in Wellington for the Para-cyclist who is based in Ohio, USA.
“It was a very good campaign overall with some significant performance gains. Rory has a good stretch of time to recover before preparations for the World Championships in Alabama, USA in September.”
Mead finished close behind multi world and Olympic champions Florian Jouanny (FRA) and Sergio Garrote Munoz (ESP) in both races in Belgium and in Thursday’s time trial. The kiwi was able to hold off Luca Mazzone, a three-time Para gold medallist, in those races although the Italian proved too strong today.
“Rory has been competitive with these three world-class Para athletes in his category which is pleasing and gives him a realistic targets looking ahead to the world championships.”
Results - Men H2, Road Race (4 laps):
Florian Jouanny (FRA) 59:47, 1; Sergio Garrote Munoz (ESP) at 16s, 2; Luca Mazzone (ITA) at 25s, 3; Rory Mead (NZL) 2m07s. 4.
Rory Mead in action in the road race at the UCI Paracycling Road World Cup in Montesilvano, Abruzzo in Italy. (Credit: SWPix)