Wednesday, September 10
Athlete's Village, Beijing, China

South Africa's Ernst Van Dyk is a calculating man. He knows his strengths and he knows the weaknesses of his competitors. He also knows a good course when he sees one, and says that the handcycling course in Beijing is a good one...for him.

About 45 minutes from the Olympic Green, the handcycling events at this year's Paralympic Games will take place at the Triathlon venue utilized for the Olympics, the Ming Tomb Reservoir. The course is is technical, to say the least: Each lap has <1K hill just after the start, that puts the riders on grades of up to 10%, and follows a twisty/turny road with numerous rolling hills. The last 2 kilometers is a blazing fast dowhill section, in to a 180 degree turnaround before the final 200 meters. The same course will be utilized for both the time trial (Friday), and road race (Sunday).

"It is going to be tight and technical...and fast." says Van Dyk. And it suits him. In the men's HCC race, Van Dyk thinks the hill will shed the likes of long-seaters like Austria's Elmar Sternath. "I think there will be only 5 or 6 of us in front after the first hill" he said. That group of six will likely include Van Dyk, as well as American's Oz Sanchez and Alejandro Albor, spaniard Vicento Arzo, and two German riders.

Meanwhile, the other two U.S. riders, Matt Updike and David Lee are readying themselves for their first Paralympic experience. Updike appears both ready, and a bit worried about the unknown. "There are a lot of fast guys here so I think it's anybody's race." David Lee was nowhere to be found in the athlete's village on Wednesday, having headed over to the bike check station to have his position evaluated. The bad news: His position was deemed as not legal by officials, and he was forced to move his seat by 5 degrees. This is a major position change, and we hope David can make an adjustment to the new position before tomorrow's TT.

Stay tuned for more information, and race updates -- just as quick as we can get 'em posted -- from Friday''s time trial.

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Posted by Geoff, on 09-11-2008 09:51, , Guest     Ian, thanks for the great info. Wow, that's crazy what happened to David. I assume he was too far reclined? That's a huge change to make and I would think it would take lots of road time to get used to the difference. Good luck to everyone! Can't wait to see the results and photos. Also interested in seeing if Ernst is right about Elmar and the hills.     Thanks!   » Report this comment to administrator » Reply to this comment...