Photo: Casey Gibson

Every other week we scour the web for the latest going on in the world of U.S. Para-cycling. Here’s what you missed!

Adaptive Journeys

Oksana Masters, a 17-time Paralympic medalist in cycling, Nordic skiing and rowing, spoke on the growth of handcycling in a recent post on Instagram.

Masters was recently featured in a video produced by NBC about her journey from recovery after her surgery in 2021, to the Tokyo Games later that same year. She was trying to get across the message that every athlete’s journey takes different turns.

“Each journey is different for all of us,” Masters said. “The timeline will be different for all of us. But what should always be the same is the equality and access to sports for all adaptive athletes in ALL sports.

“The truth is cycling is a sport that is extremely under represented in the United States and EVEN MORE SO, Para-Cycling ESPECIALLY hand-cycling. Very rarely do we see athletes in these type of bikes made visible.

Throughout the video, Masters detailed her most immediate races post-surgery, including her two gold medals in Tokyo. She hopes to represent her sport for the future Para athletes who may be watching.

“This is crucial for the next generation, that next young girl so she can see sports truly being limitless. The start line doesn’t care how you look when you line up on it.”

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A post shared by Oksana Masters🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@oksanamasters)

One of those handcyclists on the U.S. national team, two-time world champion Kate Brim, recently hit the road for a training run in Colorado.

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A post shared by Kate Brim (@quadkate)

Racing In Kansas

Four-time Paralympic medalist Shawn Morelli was out on the road in Perry, Kansas, to compete in the Perry Dam race, a 5-mile hilly course through Thompsonville Park. Despite the usual strong wind, Morelli had an action-packed weekend in Perry.

“Had a great time racing this weekend thanks to local promoters for putting on great events,” she posted on Instagram. “Perry Dam is one of my favorite races. Good to see some old faces and new, and race with a great group of guys. It was a big field 22 guys and 6 women. I spent most my time hiding from the 25mph+ winds and massive gusts but it was a blue sky.”

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A post shared by Shawn A Morelli (@gorideurbike)

Then it was on to the Kansas City airport so Morelli could get back home in time for Easter.

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A post shared by Shawn A Morelli (@gorideurbike)

Pumped For A New Season

Clara Brown, a 2020 Paralympian and 11-time world medalist, has a new bike for the 2023 season and beyond.

“Even if she’s nameless still, I am ECSTATIC to have a new whip this season!” she posted on Instagram. “I have massive goals on the road for this upcoming year and #Paris2024, and it is so confidence-inspiring to have the perfect tool for the job.”

Brown won a road world championship in the time trial last year, as well as three bronze medals at the track world championships last October.

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A post shared by Clara Brown (@clara.brownie)

March Family Time

Ryan Pinney, a 2020 Paralympic bronze medalist, enjoyed a memorable March, including a trip to Disneyland and a bunch of time with his family.

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A post shared by Ryan Pinney (@hand_biker)

Para-cycling On Gravel

A U.S. Army veteran who lost his sight while serving in Iraq, Tim Hornik is now a Para-cycling trainer. Included in his endeavors is a camp Hornik runs for riding on gravel in Emporia, Kansas.

Nothing is like the mass start of a gravel race. Saturday is my first of the season with the Flint Hills Gravel Ride and Run. Then 2wks later its off to hosting the 2nd annual and only #Paracycling camp for gravel in Emporia to prep @unboundgravel. https://t.co/ouRjELujC6
— Tim Hornik (@tim_hornik) April 4, 2023

Season Starters

Brandon Lyons, a road handcyclist who lives in St. Augustine, Florida, began the season on a high note back in February, scoring a pair of wins at the Swamp Classic in nearby Gainesville, Florida.

“A really great way just to start the season,” Lyons told USParaCycling.org. “This year was a little bit different. There was, I would say, more emphasis on the event as it was part of the selection process to be named to the first two world cups for Team USA. I think it helped spark interest and also increase the attendance in the event, as well.”

Read more about the early-season Swamp Classic and Valley of the Sun events here.

Roundup: Oksana Masters Speaks On The Growth Of Handcycling In Adaptive Sports

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