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Handcycling poses no limlits for champions

Contributed by: Michael Busch on 6/19/2008

DENVER - Cyclists nationwide gathered in Denver, Colo. for the 9th annual Rocky Mountain Omnium (RMO) hosted by the U.S. Handcycling Federation (www.ushandcycling.org).

In spite of their obvious physical impairments, the cyclists who competed in the RMO, as part of the U.S. Handcycling Series, showed no lack of ability, determination or skill when performing on their bikes.

"This event gives cyclists, of all abilities, an opportunity to compete at an elite, professional level," said U.S. Handcycling executive director Ian Lawless.

The 3-day Omnium featured different race locations and this year, the time trials held on June 6, doubled as a selection event for the U.S. Paralympic Team. The 11 nominees - five women and six men - will travel to Beijing, China in September to represent the U.S. in the 2008 Paralympic Games. The Colorado cyclists on the Beijing Team are: Matt Updike, Denver; Greta Neimanas, Colorado Springs; Allison Jones, Colorado Springs and David Lee, Boulder.

The other seven nominees are: Alejandro Albor, Elk Grove, Calif.; Anthony Zahn, Riverside, Calif.; Oscar Sanchez, San Diego, Calif.; Ron Williams, Hoover, Ala.; Karissa Whitsell, Eugene, Ore.; Jennifer Schuble, Homewood, Ala.; and B arbara Buchan, Bend, Ore.

The RMO also consisted of the State Championship Time Trials and National Road Race Championship. Updike and Monica Bascio, of Evergreen, Colo., were among the elite handcyclists competing in the Championships. Updike is a graduate of Craig Hospital in Denver after suffering injuries in a car accident in 1996. Bascio captured a gold medal while Updike received a bronze in each of their respected divisions.

Craig Hospital also hosted it's annual cycling clinic for new and veteran patients to introduce them to the sport of handcycling. The clinic helps illustrate the level of fitness required to compete in the intense sport of handcycling. The program helped people, both disabled and able-bodied alike, get acquainted with the various types of equipment. The finale of the clinic was a citizens race where participants handcycled around the track and completed the Rocky Mountain Omnium before the championship awards were presented.

The other athletes besides Bascio and Updike who won medals at the awards ceremony were: Alicia Dana, Sherry Schulz, Dean Wagner, Robert McLaughlin, Greg LaKomski, Alex Mask, Anthony Zahn, Rafael Ibarra, Brian Mitchell, Oscar Sanchez, Alejandro Albor, Scott McNeice, Harold Bostick, James Watson and Scott Rimmer.
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About U.S. Handcycling Federation
The United States Handcycling Federation (USHF), also referred to as U.S. Handcycling, is a non-profit organization designed to create integrated cycling opportunities for wheelchair users and athletes with lower-mobility impairments. The federation aims to perpetuate, improve and extend the sport of cycling in the U.S.A with coaching, education programs, competitions and community outreach. U.S. Handcycling strives to stimulate the interest of individuals in traditional sports through cycling and handcycling and break down social barriers to bring cyclists of all ages and abilities together.

Web site: www.ushandcycling.org


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Michael Busch

Englewood , CO

Michael Busch has posted 138 stories and 0 comments since joining on 5/6/2008. Michael Busch 's average story rating is 5.
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