Bosco Snags First U.S. Podium in Para-cycling at 2023 UCI World Championships

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – In her eighth Para-cycling track world championship appearance, two-time Paralympic medalist Samantha Bosco (Claremont, California) secured the first podium for Team USA on the third day of the 2023 UCI Para-cycling World Championships winning bronze in the women’s C4 scratch race. In a highly contested competition, teammate and two-time Paralympian Shawn Morelli (Meadville, Pennsylvania) was close behind taking seventh place in the event. The Americans led the pack for much of the race with Bosco outlasting a last-minute attack by opponents to take third.

“We were hoping for a double podium for Team USA but we didn’t quite pull it off so it’s a little bittersweet,” said Bosco. “It’s fun being here with our able-bodied counterparts and seeing people you watch on TV, look up to and admire that you want to emulate when you race.”

“I’m looking forward to more racing and racing with each other,” said Morelli. “Whether it’s on the track or road, we work really well with each other, we’ve bonded and we know when we each need help so we don’t have to say a lot to one another – we just know by our faces. It’s just fun racing with someone that you care about and that cares about you.”

After a notable performance in the morning’s qualification round, three-time Paralympian Joe Berenyi (Aurora, Illinois) placed sixth in the men’s C3 1 kilometer time trial final. The event marks the eighth world championship team for the 16-time world medalist.

“In the first round I was close to a personal best,” said Berenyi. “The second ride felt really good but the time just wasn’t there. I’m looking forward to the scratch race tomorrow night and should benefit from the mass start.”

The morning’s races saw Paralympic silver medalist Aaron Keith (Woodinville, Washington) compete in the men’s C1 200-meter time trial taking fifth on his quest for the omnium podium. John Terrell (Converse, Texas) placed 16th in the men’s C4 1 km time trial. Duo Michael Stephens (Colorado Springs, Colorado) alongside pilot Joe Christiansen (Lyons, Colorado) took to the world stage for the first time in Glasgow snagging a top 12 spot in the men’s B 1km time trial.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships marks a first of its kind event with 13 world championships contested across seven able-bodied and Paralympic disciplines. Team USA returns to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on Saturday, Aug. 5 for the fourth day of Para-cycling track competition. For live updates and results, follow U.S. Paralympics Cycling on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For media requests and photo inquiries, please contact Annemarie Blanco at Annemarie.Blanco@usopc.org.