Paracyclists embark on World Cup Series in Italy and Spain

In what will be the first major competition this year for the Irish Paracycling Squad, a large team has travelled to Merano in Northern Italy for the first leg in the World Cup Series, on the Road, in the UCI Paracycling Calendar. Experienced and decorated riders like Mark Rohan and Colin Lynch will be looking to defend their World Titles, while emerging Irish talents will also be testing their strengths.

At the Paralympic Games Ireland won four medals on the Road, with the male and female tandems taking Bronze in the Time Trial, while Mark Rohan dominated both the Road and Time Trial in the Handcycling events. With the World Cup Track Cycling Series not taking place this year, the competition will be high in all the road events.

Speaking ahead of the event in Italy, Head Coach Brian Nugent said "The squad arrived in Italy early on Tuesday and we have spent time getting familiar with the Race circuits. It's our first major competition of the new cycle and we have made a good few changes to our line-up. We are looking forward to making a positive start building our squad towards Rio 2016."

Racing starts on Friday with the Time Trial events for all riders, the Road Races take place on Saturday and Sunday.