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Cyclists Attend Learn to Race Cycling Camp in Colorado Springs

Posted May 1, 2015  Cycling | Press Releases

The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) is pleased to host a “Learn to Race” Tandem Cycling Development Camp for riders who are blind and visually impaired at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, May 5-10, 2015.

Below are specific events with times to highlight for this year’s tandem cycling camp schedule.

Tuesday, May 5:
9:00 AM -11:30 AM  Skills Clinic at Velodrome Track

Wednesday, 6:
9:30 AM -12:30 PM  Hill Climb on Gold Camp Road

Thursday, May 7:
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Track Skills Training at Velodrome Track

Friday, May 8:
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Race Simulation at Velodrome Track

Riders will learn bike handling skills, safe riding techniques and road racing strategies by participating in skills clinics, race simulations and nightly classroom discussions. Camp participants will be on their bikes twice per day, riding between 100-150 miles for the week. Cyclists come from across the United States to “Learn to Race” on tandem bikes.

This year, 8 of the 18 total cyclists are military Veterans. Retired Army First Lieutenant, Michael Somsan, from Gilbert, Ariz. is one of the stokers attending. Somsan was blinded after an accident at the age of 25. He underwent 13 surgeries but would not regain his eyesight. Though Somsan is new to tandem cycling, he is not new to competitive sport. Somsan completed his first Ironman in November of last year in Tempe, Ariz. At next week’s Learn to Race camp, he will be focused on polishing his racing skills. His goal is to qualify for the military time trial at the Paracycling National Championships in Chattanooga, Tennessee later this month. USABA accepts riders of all levels. In some cases riders go on to compete in national and world cycling events.

“We have had proven success in identifying riders, including our blind veterans, who are blind, who go on and compete in regional and national cycling camps,” said Mark Lucas, USABA Executive Director. “Like sighted people, the blind can share in the thrill of victory and the reality of defeat.”

About USABA

USABA’s mission is to enhance the lives of blind and visually impaired people by providing the opportunity for participation in sports and physical activity. For more information, go to http://www.usaba.org

About Grant Funding

This camp is made possible by a grant awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The grant is provided to offer adaptive sport, art therapy and recreation programs to help Veterans re-define their capabilities.

Contacts

   Pam Fernandes  │ Camp Coordinator │ pam.fernandes1@verizon.net> │ 781.504.3749

Courtney Patterson │ Marketing & PR Manager │ cpatterson@usaba.org │ 719.866.3222


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