“The successes in Tokyo at the Paralympics last year were great, but we’re happy if we’re not put in the corner until Paris 2024.” The wish of disabled cyclist Alexander Gritsch was more than fulfilled at the Paracycling European Championships, which ended yesterday in Peuerbach and, like in 2021, was held in Upper Austria. The title fights since last Wednesday were not closed to the public and were the best advertisement for disabled sports, the red-white-red athletes thanked it with six medals. After winning the European Championship title in the individual time trial, hand biker Thomas Frühwirth also secured silver in yesterday’s road race.
- OO Today: Paracycling European Championship: Medal at the end
The Innviertler Walter Ablinger, a medal guarantor in recent years, went away empty-handed as tenth and eleventh this time. But he also enjoyed the home game. “The atmosphere was great. On every corner there was someone calling my name. I’m pleased that disabled sports are so well received in my home country.” The two-time Paralympic winner is not entirely innocent that this is the case. Yvonne Marzinke also had fun at the races on her doorstep: After bronze in the time trial on Saturday in Gaspoltshofen, the woman from Mondsee also won the same in the road race.
The Upper Austria Cycling Tour, which was held at the same time, was again won by Martin Schätzl (D).
And the organizers also want to continue to shine, a World Cup application is being considered. (free)
Source: Nachrichten
