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I've been in Beijing almost a week, and am finally learning to navigate this place. Today I made it out to the road venue, and caught the very end of the women's handcycle race and the 2-wheel races for the men, where three Americans were racing: Anthony Zahn, Ron Williams, and Mike Farrell. Having been at the TT the day before, I figured I'd go to some of the same spots. Unfortunately however, the access was different than the previous day. In most cases, the event volunteers don't really know why you can't go certain places...they just know that you can't. However, I've learned that if you are insistent enough and negotiate, that you can usually get your needs met, so I was able to get some decent access today.
In the women's handcycle road race, Germany's Andrea Eskau and Dutch phenom, Monique Van der Vorst battled on the final lap with Van der Vorst putting in numerous attacks. Heading in to the stadium, Van der Vorst opened up the sprint a bit early and Eskau was able to come around her for the big win. "I was very tired from the time trial, so I rode defensively today...Monique tried many attacks, but my strategy worked and I was had more energy at the very end." Canada's Shauna White -- who had a baby in October, ended up 4th, which was a good result for her.
Following the press conference with Andrea Eskau, was a surprising press conference with Pat McQuaid, President of the UCI. It means alot for McQuaid to be at the Paralympics, now that the UCI has taken over management of Para Cycling. The conference was small, so I was able to ask him a few questions, including an update on the NGB integration. "The integration is going quickly in some countries, like Great Britain and Australia, a bit more slowly in others." McQuaid also mentioned his appreciation for the handcycle racing: "It's taken off very quickly, and it's very exciting to see such a high caliber of competition from the wheelchair athletes" he said.
After McQuaid's conference, I went out and watched the U.S. 2-wheel men, where it was a tough day. Mike Farrell and Ron Williams were both dropped from the lead gropu the second time up the big hill, but managed to regroup midway through and ride together in a group of 6 until the final lap, where Williams was able to leave the group heading in to the stadium. Zahn was also dropped from the main group in his race, but was forced to race alone the entire rest of the event....so it was a great achievement that he continued on and finished the race.
Women's Road Race Results:
1 Andrea Eskau, Germany, HCC, 1:13:00.57 Average Speed: 29.831k
2 Monique Van der Vorst, NED, HCC, 1:13:00.70
3 Dorothee Vieth, GER, HCC, 1:13:27.23
4 Shauna White, CAN HCC, 1:17:10.73
5 Laura de Vaan, NED HCC, 1:17:12.78
6 Rachel Morris, GBR, HCB, 1:17:12.78
7 Catherine Martin, FRA, HCC, 1:17:14.63
8 Mel Lecki, AUS, HCB, 1:31:14.86
9 Ursula Schwaller, SUI, HCB, 1:34:49.99
10 Marianne Maiboell, DEN, HCC 1:34:58.18
11 Annemarie Donaldson, NZL, HCB 1:39:22.08
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