U.S. G.I.s land in Italy | USA Hand Bike Circuit

The domestic race scene has been dominated by Team PVR the last three years. Not only in participation numbers but with quality performances by elite athletes. In total five Vet’s competed in Europe to kick off the World Cup schedule. “Great athletes and support is paying off says” PVR Team Director Jody Schiflett. Racing opportunities in North America can be few and far between. If looking for gritty competition it only seems natural that the same plan would apply to handcycling as in able body cycling. Europe is the proving grounds and has been since cycling began.

This past Spring found Jake Freelnad, Ryan Pinney and Freddie De Los Santos looking to up their racing experience. Jake had just podiumed at the National time trial event in H3, Ryan earned the title of National Criterium Champion in H4 and Freddie was a two time National Champion in H5. Perfect time to go to none other then the bastion of cycling, Italy. In an effort to limit expenses for teams and athletes the UCI is taking the opportunity to schedule races in close proximity and time to each other. This benefited the three gear grinders by allowing them to race in back to back races in Italy and Switzerland. Because they were not on a team they raced as “independent” racers which is a designation used to describe racers not representing their country. In addition to the World Cup events Jake and Ryan competed in a non World Cup handcycle race in Italy. The World Cup events found both Ryan and Jake mid pack while Freddie was with the lead group until the very end but was unable to punch it home for a top three spot during one of the road races. Jake commented when on the start line he looked left then right and found the worlds who’s who in handcycling to be there.

National time trial and road race Champion in H4 Tom Davis proved to be fast enough to make the National Team and represent USA at the World Cup events in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland and Maniago, Italy. Tom was just seconds off a podium finish for a time trial where he averaged in excess of 26 mph. Tom has torched the marathon scene and dominated US National events the last two years.

Freddie in 2nd - Oz in 4th position.

Olympic gold medalist Oscar “OZ” Sanchez is back! His knee injury may be old news but returning to win gold at the time trial portion of the World Cup race in Switzerland is new news. OZ is a charismatic racer that is always lurking and ready to pounce when opportunity is right. This years remaining World Cup events may not be in his wheel house but you can bet come next year the Olympic venue will draw out the best from him.