Offaly cyclist chases Paralympics qualification

International Paracyclist and Tullamore Cycling & Touring Club member, Josephine Healion, along with her new tandem pilot Eve Mc Crystal, recently took part in The Paracycling World Cup series, as part of the qualification process for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The first of these took place in Maniago, Italy in April, where McCrystal and Cappincur woman, Healion placed fourth in the time trial and took tenth place in the road race. As this was their first event as a paring, they had a lot of learning on this trip including how to race towards each of our strengths.

The second Paracycling World Cup took place in Oostende, Belgium, at the start of May. They placed 4th in the time trial, and they took second place in the road race. This was a very positive performance from them as a paring and showed that they were making huge improvements. The more exposure Josie gest to racing, the stronger she is getting along with that her confidence is growing.

The third and final Paracycling World Cup was held in Huntsville Alabama at the end of May. The outcome for the time trial was 5th at this event and they won a sprint for 2nd place in the road race. The trip to the US was another very successful weekend of racing for them. They were delighted to win the sprint finish as it showed what they can achieve as a pairing.

Overall this was a hugely successful Paracycling World Cup series and leaves them in a very good position for qualification for Paris. The Paracycling World Championships are coming up in August, so that is their focus at the moment as this is the biggest event of the year.

Everyone at Tullamore Cycling & Touring Club is hugely proud of Josies achievements to date and wish her continued success in the upcoming Paracycling world championships.