The opportunity was given earlier this year for participation in an international event. It was decided that the Para Cycling European Cup in Prague 2014 would be a suitable event for riders to perform. Three paracyclist Seamus Wall (H4), Declan Slevin (H3) and Damien Vereker with pilot Martin Kirwin (BM) registered as independents from Ireland, travelled over last Friday and competed on Saturday and Sunday. The road race took place on Saturday with an early start for the handbikes with an 8 lap race. All handbike categories raced together in a technical and challenging course. Unfortunately Seamus who was travelling well got a flat tyre on the third lap and was forced to retire from the race. Declan was comfortable in 8th position and continued to keep this position throughout the race. Later in the day Damien and Martin took to the road on the same course in the men’s tandem race finishing in 9th position.
The following morning saw the TT race take off with Declan in the starting block at 9.33 a.m. Seamus starting only minutes after at 9.41 a.m. Damien and Martin off at 10.00 a.m. With a familiarity of the course from day 1 all riders increased their speeds and finishing positions with Declan taking 7th in H3, Seamus taking 5th in H4 and Damien/Martin taking 7th in BM.
This was a great opportunity for cyclists to see where they were at against some of the best in Europe and compete at a high level. Para Cycling Ireland are committed to each & every rider being given the opportunity to perform at their full potential and will continue to promote the participation at international events.