world cup 2 and 3 recap
Strong Performances in Europe Build Momentum Toward World ChampionshipsThe 2026 UCI Para-cycling World Cup season brought me back to Europe for World Cup rounds two and three, and I’m leaving the trip encouraged by the progress I’ve made and excited about what lies ahead.
World Cup 2 – BelgiumBelgium has become a familiar stop on the World Cup circuit, and this year marked my sixth consecutive season racing there. The competition in the Men’s H3 category continues to get deeper and more competitive every year, making every second on the course incredibly valuable.In the time trial, I delivered one of my strongest rides of the season, finishing 8th place and coming just 20 seconds shy of a top-five finish. While the result left me wanting a little more, it was another indication that I’m continuing to close the gap on the world’s best athletes.The road race was equally competitive, featuring one of the strongest H3 fields I’ve raced against. I was able to stay with the lead H3 group throughout the race and crossed the line in 9th place. Unfortunately, after spending so much energy battling at the front, I didn’t quite have enough left in the tank to produce the sprint finish I was hoping for. Even so, racing with the lead group from start to finish was a significant step forward and another sign that my fitness is trending in the right direction.
World Cup 3 – Abruzzo, ItalyThe next stop was Abruzzo, Italy, along the beautiful Italian coastline. While the scenery was incredible, the racing was anything but relaxing.The time trial once again demonstrated the progress I’ve made over the past year. I finished 10th in the Men’s H3 class, but the result doesn’t fully tell the story. My finishing time was only 34 seconds away from a podium position, highlighting just how tight the competition has become at the highest level.The road race was one of the fastest and most aggressive races of the season. On lap two, a major crash took down a large portion of the field. Fortunately, I was able to avoid the pileup and stay in contention with the lead race group. From there, the pace never let up, but I continued to fight at the front and ultimately crossed the finish line in 6th place.
Looking AheadAs I reflect on these two World Cup events, one thing is clear: my fitness is at an all-time high. The work I’ve put in over the past several months is translating into stronger performances and increasingly competitive results against the best para-cyclists in the world.While there is always room for improvement, I leave Europe feeling confident and optimistic about the direction I’m heading. My goal remains earning a spot on the team for the upcoming World Championships, where I’ll have another opportunity to test myself against the world’s best and continue building toward even bigger results.The margins at this level are incredibly small—20 seconds from a top-five finish in Belgium and 34 seconds from the podium in Italy. Those numbers provide motivation and proof that I’m getting closer.Thank you to everyone who continues to support my journey—my family, coach, sponsors, teammates, and supporters back home. Your encouragement and belief mean everything. I’m excited for what’s next and eager for the opportunity to continue chasing my goals on the world stage.
