Record field for Reno U.S. Handcycling Race: Tour de Nez

Thursday, 17 June 2010 00:01

27 handcyclists will compete this weekend in Reno, NV for the 18^th Annual Tour de Nez event, a part of the U.S. Handcycling Series.

Evergreen, CO, June 16, 2010

When Tour de Nez race director Tim Healion met U.S. Handcycling Executive Director, Ian Lawless in 2006, they both shared the same vision: Put people with and without disabilities together, racing bikes. The Tour de Nez turned out to be a great venue for such a vision, and the 'Nez handcycle race is finally coming in to full focus in its fourth year in Reno. "Tim is a guy who was excited about handcycling from day #1, and his enthusiasm and dedication to supporting integrated cycling has made the Tour de Nez a staple event in the U.S. Handcycling Series." said Lawless. “It’s an important aspect of bike racing,” said Healion. “Many times it is either/or — it’s a disabled sports event or an able-bodied sports event. I think it is important to integrate the two.”

After developing a solid reputation among the handcycling community, this year's handcycle race will include 27 athletes, more than double the size from 2009. Much of this is due to new involvement of the City of Reno's Therapeutic Recreation program, who provide local grassroots programs, as well as logistical support for the handcycle race. April Wolfe, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for the City, will take a group of national level handcycle racers on an outreach mission to Renown Rehabilitation Hospital on Thursday. “Handcycling is a great option for people to get active again and become a part of a larger community of athletes who enjoy the sport,” said Wolfe. 2002 World Handcycle Champion and former Tour de Nez winner, Monica Bascio (out with an injury this season) says the Tour de Nez is where it's at: "It's always at the top of my list events….the racing is great, the scenery is beautiful, and they really know how to treat you right in Reno, it's an awesome event!" Although not short on National and international talent, this year's handcycle field includes 13 first-time 'Nez racers, many of whom are in their first or second year of racing. "The Paralympic team members aren't getting any younger, and we have made a strong push to identify new talent…and that talent will all be in Reno this weekend…I remember back in 2006 when Oz Sanchez had a breakout race in Reno, and he's now a Paralympic Gold Medalist…the 'Nez is a hotbed!" said Lawless.

Handcyclists will race in Sparks for at time trial Thursday, a criterium in Reno on Friday, and the Northstar Circuit race on Saturday. For more details, including a full schedule, please visit: http://www.tourdenez.com

2010 Tour de Nez Handcycle Roster