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Dame Sarah Storey will be making her return to competitive action at the Newport International Para-cycling Cup which takes place in Wales at the end of this month.
"I’m looking forward to being able to measure my fitness against the best in the world."
Dame Sarah Storey
The three-day event runs from Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December and promises to attract a strong international line-up with some world-class racing.
Great Britain's most decorated female Paralympian in history, Dame Sarah Storey, said: “I can’t wait to race again, and it’s great that British Cycling, UK Sport and Newport City Council have come together to provide this opportunity.
"I’m looking forward to being able to measure my fitness against the best in the world, as well as being able to once again compete in front of a home crowd.”
Sarah will represent her trade team Breast Cancer Care RT at the event.
Fellow Paralympic gold medallists Jody Cundy, Neil Fachie and Darren Kenny have also been selected to compete, as have a number of talented new British athletes who will make their debut at this event.
Gareth Sheppard, British Cycling’s Para-cycling Performance Manager, said: “The Newport International Para-cycling Cup provides an important opportunity for myself and the coaches to assess the form and fitness of all the British riders ahead of next year’s world championships.
“The team has been training hard since the Paralympic Games, and this event has given them the added motivation of a clear target to aim for, whether they’re competing for GB or for their trade team.
"It’s an interesting time for the squad as we have some exciting new prospects challenging our established Paralympic champions for places on the programme which is a healthy situation.
“Overall, the team are in a good place and we’re looking forward to being able to race.”
The Newport International Para-cycling Cup coincides with the 10th anniversary of Wales National Velodrome, and is anticipated to attract some of the world’s top paracyclists from around the world.
Speaking about the event, Newport City Council cabinet member, Councillor Debbie Wilcox, said: “Newport’s Velodrome is approaching its 10th anniversary and in that time has seen the World’s top cyclists train at the venue including the London 2012 gold medal winning track cycling team.
“That the Wales National Velodrome will host the Newport International Paracycling Cup demonstrates that Newport is a sporting city with the facilities to host top class sporting competitions.
“In its 10-year history the Velodrome has seen more than 300,000 people ride the boards. Last year when there were open days to watch the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, hundreds of people showed their support and I hope that the same support will be shown at the Newport International Paracycling Cup competition.”
The evening sessions - Friday 29 November 7pm – 10pm, Saturday 30 November 7pm – 10pm and Sunday 1 December 3pm – 7pm - are ticketed and tickets have to be booked in advance.
Prices are £5 for adults and £2.50 for juniors.
Great Britain Para-cyclists selected to compete at the Newport International Para-cycling Cup
Jon Allan Butterworth
Jody Cundy (riding for Para T)
Matt Ellis (piloted by Iuean Williams)
Neil Fachie (piloted by Craig MacLean)
Rhiannon Henry (piloted by Lauryn Therin)
Andy Kelsey (riding for Team Battleback)
Darren Kenny (riding for Para T)
Crystal Lane
Shaun McKeown
Dame Sarah Storey (riding for Breast Cancer Care RT)
Sophie Thornhill (piloted by Rachel James)
Lora Turnham (piloted by Corinne Hall)
Jaco van Gass
Jonathan Wren (riding for Clevelys RC)
John Gildea
