Para-Cycling World Championships Kick Off in Ronse, Belgium
The Para-cycling World Championships commence on Thursday in Ronse, East Flanders, featuring four days of competition across time trial, road race, and relay events. This marks the first occasion Belgium has hosted the event, attracting para-cyclists from 54 countries. The tournament opens with individual time trials on Thursday and Friday. The relatively flat course in Ronse, with approximately 70 meters of climbing per lap, is expected to favor time trial specialists, while climbing experts will concentrate on the tougher road races scheduled for the weekend. The championships will conclude with the team relay event on Sunday evening, reports 24brussels.
Belgium’s squad comprises eleven riders competing in handbike, tricycle, and cycle classes. They will participate across all categories, ranging from the MH3 handbike class to women’s WH3 races.
“A world championship on Belgian soil gives an extra boost.”
National coach Remko Meeusen expresses optimism, asserting the home advantage may inspire his team. “A world championship on Belgian soil gives an extra boost. We have a mix of experienced medal contenders and promising debutants. If everything falls into place, we can come away with several rainbow jerseys,” he stated.
On Friday, the MC2 time trial is anticipated to be a highlight for Belgian supporters, featuring reigning champion Ewoud Vromant defending his title. The 41-year-old Vromant, hailing from East Flanders, faces stiff competition from France’s Alexandre Léauté, who prevented him from securing Paralympic gold in Paris earlier this summer.
Vromant, however, remains pragmatic regarding his title defense. “I’ve managed to win this title twice, but at all the other World Championships it didn’t work out. So it’s not a given that I’ll extend my title,” he remarked. “I’m aiming for a podium place – that’s the goal.”
While Ronse previously hosted road cycling world championships in 1963 and 1988, this is the inaugural para-cycling world championship held in Belgium. The upcoming world championships for able-bodied cyclists are slated for Rwanda in September, marking a historic first for the African continent.
