New Zealand has a new Para cycling star this morning. Paralympian Nicole Murray swept into second place to seize SILVER in an outstanding ride at the 2022 UCI Para Cycling World Championships.
Murray completed the 18.9km C5 time trial in 28:50.42. Her time was just 37 seconds behind Germany’s Kerstin Brachtendorf in first place, with Italy’s Eleonora Mele coming third another 1 minute 12 seconds behind Murray.
There were tears and huge smiles after the race from Murray. When asked how she feels about being second best in the world, she said:
“It’s a pretty incredible feeling. When I found out after the race my placement, I had a good cry!”
Murray’s coach Damian Wiseman believes this is just the beginning for Murray:
“Nicole had an outstanding ride this morning. It was the culmination of months of work that she has put in over this world cup season. She was successful today because of her process and preparation coming into race day. She is now confidently putting all of these pieces into practice.
“This is just the beginning of Nicole establishing herself at the top of this field. It’s the beginning of the next phase of her progression as an athlete.”
Murray is a left hand amputee following a childhood accident, and rides with modifications to her bike.
Teammates Sarah Ellington and Fraser Sharp also had strong rides this morning. Ellington placed 7th in the women’s C2 time trial. Sharp placed 9th after finishing the men’s C2 time trial two minutes behind the winner. The men’s C2 field was densely packed at the finish with many riders finishing within seconds of each other.
Racing continues 6am Sunday with Eltje Malzbender and Stevo Hills competing in the road race.
Para cycling classifications are explained in the notes below.
More about the Para Cycling Road World Championships
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WHAT DO THE CLASSIFICATIONS MEAN IN PARA CYCLING?
Classification groups Para cyclists with an eligible impairment into sports classes, according to how much their impairment affects their ability to carry out the fundamental activities in their sport.
- Para athletes who are able to use a standard bicycle (with approved adaptations) compete in the five sport classes C1-5, Sport class C1 is allocated to athletes with the most severe activity limitation, while the sport class C5 is allocated to athletes with minimum impairments. The C1-5 sport classes include athletes with limb deficiency, impaired muscle power or range of motion and impairments affecting co-ordination, such as uncoordinated movements and involuntary movements.
- Para cyclists who have a visual impairment race on a tandem bicycle with a sighted cyclist (pilot) at the front. They cycle in the sports class B. This class will include athletes with a range of visual impairment from a low visual acuity (less than 6/60) and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees through to athletes with no vision.
- Para athletes who ride a tricycle are unable to ride a bicycle safely due to impairment affecting their balance and coordination. They are divided into two classes, T1 and T2. The sport class T1 is allocated to athletes with more significant balance and co-ordination impairments and problems controlling movements than athletes competing in sport class T2.
- There are five different sport classes for handcycle racing. The lower numbers indicate a more severe activity limitation. Para athletes competing in the H1 classes have a complete loss of trunk and leg function and limited arm function, e.g. as a result of a spinal cord injury. Para athletes in the H4 class have limited or no leg function, but good trunk and arm function. Para cyclists in sport classes H1 – 4 compete in a reclined position. Para cyclists in the H5 sport class sit on their knees because they are able to use their arms and trunk to accelerate the handcycle. Para athletes in this sport class might have leg amputations, paraplegia or mild to moderate involuntary and uncoordinated movements.
