Irish Cyclist Colin Lynch takes Gold at the UCI Paracycling Road World Championships
Irish cyclist Colin Lynch has taken gold in the C2 time trial at the UCI Paracycling Road World Championships in Denmark.
Lynch beat off Italian Fabrizo Macchi and Spaniard Maurice Far Eckhard to claim first place after an impressive ride against some strong wind in Roskilde in Denmark.
Colin, who finished second overall in the 2011 World Cup series earlier this year, had been tipped as a potential medal hope for Ireland coming into the Championships and didn’t disappoint, giving Ireland a dream start to the championships. Lynch also secured valuable qualification points for the 2012 Paralympic Games in the process.
Speaking on Lynch’s performance, Team Manager, Denis Toomey said, “I am absolutely delighted for Colin. He has worked really hard over the past few months so I’m thrilled he was able to produce the goods today. This is a great start to the championships and a great day for Irish Paralympic sport. ”
Irish Handcyclist Mark Rohan Wins Gold at the UCI Paracycling Road World Championships
Mark Rohan from Westmeath has added another gold medal to Ireland’s medal tally at the UCI Paracycling Road World Championships in Denmark, following Colin Lynch’s gold medal performance in this morning’s C3 time trial.
Rohan secured first place in the H1 time trial with an impressive time of 31.03.50 but was pushed hard by Koby Lion of Israel and Wolftand Schatteuer of Austria who finished second and third respectively.
Mark who represented Westmeath footballers at U-21 level was involved in a road accident back in 2001 but has become one of Ireland’s best athletes and he has now confirmed his position as one of the world’s leading Paralympic athletes.
Since taking up handcycling, Mark has quickly become Ireland’s most successful Paracyclists, winning the H1 road race at the 2010 World Championships and all four events during the 2011 World Cup series.
Speaking after Mark’s race, Team Manager, Denis Toomey said, “Today has been a great day for Irish Paracycling and a fitting way for the team to mark International Paralympic Day. To win two gold medals during the opening day of the World Championships is unbelievable. Fingers crossed there is more to come. Mark is an outstanding and committed athlete and his hard work and dedication is paying off.”
For further information contact:
John Fulham, Communications Officer, Paralympics Ireland
T: 087 270 9182
E: communications@paralympics.ie
Sean Treacy, Pembroke Communications
T: 087 936 2440
E: sean@pembrokecomms.ie
Also visit:
http://www.paracycling2011.dk/FrontPage/?id=875
About Paralympics Ireland
Paralympics Ireland was founded in 1987 and is responsible for the preparation and management of the Irish team in the lead up to, and at, the Paralympic Games, and is responsible for the development of Paralympic sport in Ireland.
Olympic style games for elite athletes with a physical disability were first held in Rome in 1960. Today, the Paralympic Games are a major global sporting event for elite athletes with disabilities. Athletes compete in various classes of competition, and are classified according to their disability.
The Paralympic movement has grown dramatically since its inception. The number of athletes participating in Summer Paralympic Games has increased from 400 athletes from 23 countries in Rome in 1960 to over 4000 athletes from 153 countries in Beijing in 2008.
London will host the 2012 Games. Ireland has a proud tradition at the Games, winning 5 medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze) in Beijing 2008.