Match Update: Cycling Underway – May 9
Road cycling at Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, sped off to a fast start at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Monday, May 9, 2016.
The cycling action features two events: a one-minute time trial of .97-mile sprints and a criterium event featuring multiple classes. By the end of the session, separate medals will be awarded for three road bike classes, one tandem class, two hand bike classes and one recumbent bike class.
The excitement out by the track was palpable even before the races began at 8:30 a.m. EST, as riders began their warm-ups and strategy meetings with their teams. Team USA’s Leticia Baugher, who will be riding in the recumbent bike class, expressed her emotions right before the race, reflecting on what they mean to her.
“A lot of us are no longer serving, and so we feel left out, at least for me,” said Baugher. “[These Games] fill a hole that was taken away from me. Something like this, I’m fulfilled by it. I think [adaptive sports] are a big part of our therapy.”
Check back for a full match report and results after all races have completed.
