Competition is the last big chance they have to secure a spot in Paris 2024

This Wednesday (20), the Rio Velodrome began hosting the first disputes of the Para-Cycling Track World Championship. The tournament runs until next Sunday (24) and is the athletes’ last chance to score points and secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. For Brazilian Sabrina Custódia da Silva, fifth in the world ranking of Class 2, the chance to compete in such an important competition at home has a special flavor.

“Being able to compete in a World Championship here in our own country is sensational, it’s very rewarding. It’s a dream we’re living, and it brings us an extra pressure because we want to perform well, win medals, do our best,” she said.

Sabrina needed a lot of resilience to be on the Velodrome track at this Championship. Two months ago, she had a fall at the Brazilian Track Championship and fractured her collarbone. She relied on her family’s help to recover and had to adapt her training during preparation.

“The accident made me very sad because I wanted to arrive here in my best physical form. But I talked a lot with the doctors; they said there was a possibility of competing, and I started to focus on that. I did roller training, specific workouts, track simulation because I couldn’t yet support my arm, I tried to rest as much as possible to speed up the recovery. It was difficult, but I pictured myself on the track; I wanted to try not to lose so much of what I had already gained with my experience. Being cleared to compete was a wonderful feeling of joy, happiness, relief, and gratitude. I did everything I could, drew a lot of strength from my family, and I’ll give my best with full force,” she promised.

Current Scratch and Omnium world champion, Spanish athlete Ricardo Ten, already feels at home and returns to Rio in search of more medals for his extensive resume. At 48, he has been to six Paralympic Games – five as a swimmer and the last one, in Tokyo, as a cyclist. Ranked fourth in the 2023 Class 1 world ranking, he knows exactly what he wants: to increase that list.

“For me, it’s always a joy to come back to Rio, a city where I’ve been many times and enjoyed a lot, since my swimming days. Whether at the Velodrome track or at the Maria Lenk pools, I’m happy to be here. It’s an important year, a Paralympic Games year, and I hope to have a good World Championship, especially aiming for a spot in Paris,” he said.

On the other hand, Australian Alana Forster, 37, is making her first visit to South America, Brazil, and Rio. The current Scratch world champion on the track and silver medalist in road time trial, ranked sixth in the Class 5 world ranking, detailed the adaptation to the Marvelous City.

“It took us two days to get here, with a layover in Dubai and 30 hours of flight. We are 14 hours ahead in Australia, so it took us a few days to adjust because of the jet lag. Our team spent the last week getting used to the weather and getting to know the track. Fortunately, we live in the same hemisphere, so the temperature is quite similar – it’s also late summer in Australia, but it’s even hotter here!” the athlete said, praising the competition venue.

“Rio has been great so far – welcoming and friendly people, unique and different culture, and a vibrant atmosphere! Little by little, we are learning some Portuguese words to help us understand the interesting foods on the dinner buffet. I’m also looking forward to learning how to samba… but it’s harder than riding a bike,” she joked.

Forster is one of the favorites in the Class 5 women’s competitions, which has its first race (time trial) already on this first day of competition. She approved the Velodrome track, which is one of the fastest in the world and hosts some records, and took the opportunity to extend an invitation to the Brazilian audience.

“Australians are a very friendly group, so please, come and say ‘hi’ if you see us! The Track World Championship is always a special event. The Rio Velodrome is world-class, the track is smooth and fast, and the competition is fierce. I’m looking forward to a good showdown!” she concluded.

The 2024 Para-Cycling Track World Championship is organized by the Brazilian Cycling Confederation (CBC) and TBA Sports Management under the supervision of the International Cycling Union (UCI), with sponsorship from the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB), Shimano, and the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Sports. Additionally, it is supported by Santini, the Municipal Government of Rio de Janeiro, and the Rio de Janeiro State Cycling Federation (FECIERJ).