Marie-Claude Molnar, who won two bronze medals at these World championships, finished in fourth place of the exciting mass-start, exhibition scratch race, an excellent result for her as she races in the C4 category, at a disadvantage compared to the competitors in the C5 category, with lighter disability.
“I am very pleased with these results. This is a new event [the scratch], and I had never taken part in a race like that before. I had no expectations, and liked it. It was really interesting,” said Molnar.
The scratch race was considered an exhibition race since it’s not presented at the Paralympic Games, and the winners did not receive the rainbow jersey and World Champion title associated with the jersey.
Eric Bourgault, also a member of class C4, he took part in the race at scratch. He finished the race in 13th position.
“At first I was observing the other riders, and how they behaved. I know the riders in my category [C4] pretty well, but not those of C5. My challenge today was to find my place in the peloton. I gave everything I could, and am very enthusiast by what I experienced,” commented Bourgault while warming down. “It was really exciting as a race. The scratch should definitely stay on the regular program, because these are the races people appreciate. This is exciting both for riders, and for spectators. Everyone reap benefits.”
In the tandem sprint races, the duo of Daniel Chalifour and pilot Alexandre Cloutier ended their day in eighth position. The duo advanced to the quarter-finals by posting the seventh fastest time in qualifying sessions. In the quarter-finals, the two athletes competed against a team from Great Britain, and had to concede victory after two heats to the tandem of the powerful track cycling nation. The tandem finished their day in eighth place.
In the women’s tandem, still sprint races, the duo of Robbi Weldon and Lyne Bessette placed seventh, and did not qualified for elimination rounds. The duo, taking part for the first time in the sprint races, had low expectations entering the race, as they are more endurance riders than short-distance. The duo, which is amongst the top women’s tandem in the World for the road events, will now turn their focus and preparations for road events of the upcoming Paralympic Games.
Canada finished the 2012 edition of Para-cycling Track World Championships with three medals. The next event on track for para-cyclists is those of the London 2012 Paralympic Games this summer.
Results HERE.