Darren Hicks and David Nicholas continue Paralympic medal rush in Tokyo

Australia has continued the medal rush at Izu Velodrome, with Darren Hicks (SA) and David Nicholas (QLD) claiming two medals on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Hicks, 36, claimed a silver medal in the Men’s C2 3000m Individual Pursuit (IP), going down to young Frenchman Alexandre Leaute in the gold medal final, who set two world records in two rides.

The Adelaidean’s day at the track was turned on its head after initially qualifying in third spot and earning a place in the bronze medal final.

The disqualification of Belgian Ewoud Vromant due to use of saddle elevated Hicks into the gold medal final in the aftermath of qualifying, securing him a guaranteed medal and a highly coveted shot at gold on his Paralympics debut.

Hicks said he was initially satisfied to be riding for bronze before learning of the disqualification decision.

“We heard it fairly early on that the decision had been made for the disqualification and then it’s just a matter of waiting it out, making sure that the protests go through, which, I guess was all upheld and on we get for the gold medal ride off,” Hicks said.

“It’s crazy, but that’s sport.”

The IP is one of three events Hicks will compete in during Tokyo 2020, and in his own words, the one race he was least confident in.

“This was the event that I came into (Tokyo 2020) unsure about,” he said.

“Yeah, I had a good track record, but what I’ve been focussing on all the time at home in my training is the road time trial.

“That’s my happy place, 25 to 27km of hurt – bring it on.”

Defending C3 3000m IP gold medallist David Nicholas put up a courageous performance in his quest for back-to-back titles.

Competing in his third Paralympics, the 29-year-old from Mackay stopped the clock nearly 10 seconds quicker than his winning time of 3:32.336 in Rio 2016, with a 3:23.674.

However, a powerful British combo of Jaco van Gass and Finlay Graham proved untouchable on the day.

Nicholas claimed bronze in the battle for the final podium spot, overcoming Spain’s Eduardo Santas Asensio to notch his second Paralympic bronze medal to go along with two Paralympic golds from London 2012 and Rio.

“I’m so emotional … just being here in Tokyo is incredible,” Nicholas said.