Swamp Classic breaks Ice for 2018 season | USA Hand Bike Circuit

Snow birds flap wings in the sunshine state. Canadian Charles Moreau no doubt approached the Swamp Classic as a training race just as most of the field did. On a chilly Saturday morning for Florida standards Charles showed the peloton that he is poised to have a great year.

When the rainbow jersey is on a start line you bet it gets attention. World Champion Tim DeVries the superb H5 stretched the field to the breaking point while rolling to victory. DeVries is an excellent ambassador for the sport of handcycling. The charismatic champion knows how to deliver on race day and is willing to pay the price with tireless preparation and dedication.

Tennessee bread Will Groulx is an assassin on three wheels. He decimated the MH2 class and was just a few seconds off the MH3 podium in TT and would have placed first in MH4. He may not get the same attention the first finishers get for the race but he is a true classification assassin.

Double World Champion Christisane Reppe raced the time trial and posted a winning time. She is preparing for another successful season while under the tutelage of coach Ralf Lindschulten,

The first race of the year often rolls out new products. This year is no exception. Top End brought a new version of the 20” RX, and experimental kneeler. Carbonbike debuted its K1 kneeler in its first handcycle race.