North Americans will Square Off in Italy

on 03-05-2006 01:02

For those of you who follow handcycling, Monica Bascio of the USA and Shauna Whyte of Canada are familiar names. Whyte is new on the handcycling scene but has made a strong showing internationally the last two years. The Canadian however, has been a world-class Paralympic nordic skier and biathlete for many years and is a major contender for a medal in Torino. In contrast, Bascio is a veteran handcyclist, including 4 wins at the Ultra Challenge and the World TT title in 2002. Bascio is new to Nordic Skiing and began competing in cross-country and biathlon in 2003 and will also head to Torino as part of team USA.

Both Bascio and Whyte are fierce competitors, and it was no surprise when the two finished within seconds of each other at numerous cross country races in 2004 and 2005. When Bascio attended the IPC European Cycling Championships outside Amsterdam in 2005 after a two year absence from international cycling, the two were separated by 1.5 seconds in the road race and less than one second in the time trial. With Whyte getting the better of the American in Holland, Bascio has something to prove on the snow in Italy. But skiing and shooting are clearly Whyte’s turf. “It’s just a natural rivalry…we are both very competitive, work hard, and are similar in ability…we just end-up next to each other in the results every time. I think it drives each of us to be faster, stronger, better!” said Monica Bascio on Monday before heading off to Italy. To watch the races unfold, visit ParalympicSport.tv.

Monica Bascio was recently interviewed by the USOC Press Box. View the article here, or visit her website.