Robbi Weldon , a former cross-country skier who raced at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games, was really pleased with the result, posting their personal best so far in the event: “We are pleased with the results. We followed and exceeded our plan we had for the race. The coaches and mechanics set everything perfectly for us. And how can you not be excited with 6000 people cheering and racing against Great Britain. We are looking forward for the road races now.”
Lyne Bessette: “This is breaking the ice for us, for the road races. We didn’t train on the track as it’s not our specialty. We know we are in good form. Today we posted our best time in the event. It hurts everywhere now!.”
Sebastien Travers, coach of the Canadian Para-cycling team: “It was a really nice race, if we take into consideration the level of preparations for the girls. We did the pursuit to see where we are in our preparation for the road races. We have lowered our time from the World Championships by six seconds, and yesterday we did road-specific training. The form is there for the road races and we are excited about the week to come.”
With the track cycling events now over, the focus will turn to the road races. “Tomorrow we will be doing course recognition for the road race. We are ready, in top form, and we are going for gold. We absolutely love the course. It suits our style perfectly with nice turns and hills,” added Bessette.
The road cycling events at the 2012 Paralympic Games will begin on Wednesday.
Results
Women B Pursuit
Qualifications
1. New Zealand (Phillipa Gray/Laura Thompson) 3:31.530 World Record
2. Ireland (Catherine Walsh/Francine Meehan) 3:36.453
3. Great Britain (Aileen McGlynn/Helen Scott) 3:36.930
7. Canada (Robbi Weldon/Lyne Bessette) 3:45.698
Top 2 ride for gold – 3rd and 4th for bronze
Final
For Gold
1. New Zealand (Phillipa Gray/Laura Thompson) 3:32.243
2. Ireland (Catherine Walsh/Francine Meehan) 3:36.360
For Bronze
3. Great Britain (Aileen McGlynn/Helen Scott) 3:40.138
4. Great Britain (Lora Turnham/Fiona Duncan)