Worlds: Aussie para-cyclists eager for ‘mini-Games’ in Glasgow

Australia’s track para-cyclists are looking forward to competing in front of bumper crowds at next week’s combined UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow.

The ARA Australian Cycling Team will consist of 13 para-cyclists and two pilots for a track program that will be integrated with the able-bodied event at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

Despite injury to Alistair Donohoe, the Aussie line-up includes two defending world champions in Emily Petricola (C4 individual pursuit, scratch race and omnium) and Amanda Reid (C2 time trial, scratch race and omnium).

The squad has been completing their preparations at a training camp in Bordeaux.

Gordon Allan, a medallist in last year’s C2 time trial, said this year’s World Championships – the first of its kind, bringing together multiple disciplines – feels new and different.

“We’re used to having our para-Worlds by themselves or the week after the Elite World Championships. But having it as one big event, it’s exciting and it feels like something different to a normal World Championships,” Allan said.

“It’s almost like a mini-Commonwealth Games. I haven’t done a Comm Games – my event isn’t in there – but it almost feels like that, in a sense, where it’s going to be a big, super-team.”

Meg Lemon has a busy two weeks ahead. (Photo: Mick Shippley)

Teammate Meg Lemon said she was excited to take part in what will be a busy event for her. She will be competing on both track and road.

“Given that this is a very unique championships where we have lots of different disciplines, I think it is potentially going to feel a little bit like the Games in terms of the amount of people there, the racing that’s going on at the same time, and potentially the atmosphere,” Lemon said.

“I’m not sure how the crowd’s going to be. That’s going to be different. We’re not used to that! That is pretty exciting and hopefully kind of makes you ride that tiny bit faster or pushes you on a little bit.

“I think the track racing will be full on. I have about five or six races on the track which will be cool. Hopefully, I do enough in the IP to get through to the final, and keep growing in confidence and be relaxed. Because when I’m relaxed, I have fun and I go well.”

These World Championships will also see the debut of new para-cyclist Alana Forster, and a new tandem pairing of Beau Wootton and Byron Davies.

ARA Australian Cycling Team for 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

Para-cycling Track

Women

• Jessica Gallagher & Caitlin Ward (pilot) – B (Sprint, Time Trial, Mixed Team Sprint)
• Tahlia Clayton-Goodie – C1 (Time Trial, Individual Pursuit, Scratch Race, Omnium)
• Paige Greco – C2 (Individual Pursuit)
• Amanda Reid – C2 (Time Trial, Individual Pursuit, Scratch Race, Omnium)
• Alana Forster – C4 (Time Trial, Individual Pursuit, Scratch Race, Omnium)
• Meg Lemon – C4 (Time Trial, Individual Pursuit, Scratch Race, Omnium)
• Emily Petricola – C4 (Time Trial, Individual Pursuit)
• Erin Rowell – C5 (Time Trial, Scratch Race)

Men

• Beau Wootton & Byron Davies (pilot) – B (Sprint, Time Trial, Mixed Team Sprint)
• Gordon Allan – C2 (Time Trial)
• Darren Hicks – C2 (Time Trial, Individual Pursuit, Scratch Race, Omnium)
• David Nicholas – C3 (Time Trial, Individual Pursuit, Scratch Race, Omnium)
• Michael Shippley – C5 (Time Trial)

For more coverage of the ARA Australian Cycling Team at the UCI Cycling World Championships, visit our Glasgow 2023 Hub. To subscribe to daily updates, click here.

Feature photo: UCI