Paralympic cycling star back on track

Australia’s Paralympic cycling heroes returned to the track in Melbourne on Thursday with the time trial finals at 2017 Cycling Australia Para-Cycling Track National Championships.

The NSWIS’s Paralympic time trial silver medallist Amanda Reid defended her gold in the C2 500m final in 40.95seconds.

“Felt great out there today,” said Reid, after just her second hit out on the track since her debut Paralympic Games performance.

“The time was faster than state championships two weeks ago so I am happy with that time.

“Just went in trying to be myself, focus, I hit a pad on the first corner and had to reset halfway through which was hard.”

The result continues Reid’s rapid rise in cycling, the multi-sport star only starting on the bike a little over a year ago after finishing a swimming career that took her to the London Paralympic Games.

“So much has happened so fast, it has been quite a whirlwind as I have only been cycling for a year now,” Reid said.

“I am pretty happy with my results so far.”

In the women’s C3 500m final, Meg Lemon (SA) claimed her maiden national title in a time of 44.056secs, just one third of a second ahead of world championship medallist and NSWIS athlete Simone Kennedy (44.338).

Pic: Con Chronis / Cycling Australia