The Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games will light up the city with exhilarating competitions in Para-cycling, where athletes will push the boundaries of speed and endurance across both road and track.
The excitement opens on the track with high-speed, strategic contests showcased in the world-class Vélodrome de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, where athletes will compete individually or in teams from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
Clichy-sous-Bois will host the road cycling events Sept. 4 to Sept. 7, where competitors will navigate a challenging course within urban and rural settings. Each race promises intense action in the Road Race as riders showcase their skills across distances of 10km to 125km, adapted for their respective category. The Time Trial, with its individual race against the clock, will further highlight the riders’ precision and stamina, with distances between 10km and 40km.
As the world tunes in to Paris 2024, the Para-cycling events will stand out for their heart-pounding excitement. Fans can expect a captivating mix of speed, strategy, and perseverance, and an impressive showing from Team USA.
Athletes to Watch:
Dennis Connors (Beaverton, Oregon) – Connors stands out in the T2 classification, known for his exceptional speed and technical skill. Connors' ability to maintain a high pace and navigate challenging courses makes him a strong medal contender. As a three-time world champion medalist (2023, gold, Road Race; 2022: silver, Road Race; 2021: bronze, Time Trial) Connors will make his Paralympic Games debut in Paris.
Travis Gaertner (Burien, Washington) – Gaertner previously competed for Canada’s wheelchair basketball team where he earned gold medals at the Paralympic Games Sydney 2000 (Team – Men) and Paralympic Games Athens 2004 (Team - Men). Now, Gaertner looks to secure a podium spot in Paris, this time, representing Team USA in the Road Race. Having most recently earned bronze in the 2023 world championships (Team Relay – Mixed), Gaertner is positioned to be a strong contender on the course.
Matt Tingley (Rochester Hills, Michigan) – Tingly is a name to keep an eye on as he makes first appearance as a Paralympian in the H4 category after notable success in national events. His consistent performance promises to make him a formidable opponent for the road events.
Oksana Masters (Louisville, Kentucky) – With a remarkable track record, including seventeen Paralympic medals, Masters is expected to be a major force in the Para-cycling road events. Competing in the H5 category, Masters’ resilience and skill have earned her numerous accolades, and she is expected to be a top rival as she continues her legacy and domination as a multi-sport athlete.
Shawn Morelli (Meadville, PA) – Having earned a combined three gold medals and one silver in the last two Summer Paralympic Games, all eyes will be on Morelli as she competes in the C4 category for track and road. As a decorated athlete with high-profile victories, fans can expect her to be a key competitor as she aims to add to her medal tally.
Samantha Bosco (Claremont, California) - Bosco, competing in the C4 category for track and road, is a prominent athlete to follow. Bosco’s tenacity on the track makes her a key medal prospect, particularly as she approaches the Paris 2024 Games with vengeance after she incurred an unexpected injury that left her unable to compete in Tokyo 2020. Bosco looks to take home new hardware, following a pair of bronze medals in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games (C5 - 3km Pursuit - Women, C5 - Time Trial - Women).
For inquiries: Rebecca Beard - rebecca.beard@usopc.org