Key points:
- Paralympian #222 Nicole Murray has claimed bronze and continued the NZ team’s success at the 2022 Para Cycling Track World Championships in Paris.
- Murray took 3rd place in the C5 Individual Pursuit (3km) in a time of 3:43.282.
The New Zealand Para cycling team today got to see their flag raised again over the podium in Paris as Paralympian #222 Nicole Murray (C5) claimed the team’s second medal of the World Championships – a bronze in the Individual Pursuit. Murray has medalled in the Individual Pursuit before and explains that “it’s a race that I put a lot of my effort into.”, She says:
“I’m really happy to have pulled through and done a good ride that I’m proud of. It reflects the work that I’ve done and the support I’ve had to get here.”
The multitalented Murray has now claimed three World Championships medals in the 2022 season, counting the two medals she won in the Para Cycling Road World Championships earlier in the year. Murray has two further medal opportunities at the current competition. She acknowledges what an incredible year it has been for her:
“It’s definitely been the best year in my career so far. A year of luck and hard work. I’m really happy to be able to make a good name for myself across Road and Track.”
Murray is a left hand amputee following a childhood accident and rides with adaptations to her bike.
The raising of the New Zealand flag always leaves Murray emotional, because it reminds her of the people at home. Their support, Murray explains, makes all the difference.
“It goes a long way when I’m out here on the track knowing there are people at home cheering me on.”
The remaining four team members also competed today, delivering strong and consistent performances across their events.
Paralympian #213 Sarah Ellington (C2) competed in the qualifiers and the finals of the 500m Time Trial, finishing 5th in both, and impressively improving on her time in the second race.
Paralympian #225 Anna Taylor (C4) built on her bronze medal from yesterday and delivered a strong individual pursuit heat. Anna finished 5th, just missing out on the final.
Para athletes Devon Briggs and Nick Blincoe (both C4) competed in the 15km scratch race, finishing 9th and 13th respectively.
Further information and full results.
Racing continues tomorrow with events for all 5 members of the team.
