Athlete: Russell White
From: Llantwit Major
Discipline: LC1 Rider
Disability: single arm amputee
Russell has been riding for 15 years. Disability Sport Wales Performance Manager Anthony Hughes explains,
‘He’s a very strong rider, enjoys leading a pack of cyclists and is always ready to make himself a challenge to ride past. Russell enjoys hill training in the Brecon Beacons and in Merthyr Tydfil, this improves his strength and ability to make strong breaks from the pack of cyclists.’
In May this year, the 33-year-old narrowly missed out on selection for Visa Paralympic World Cup. In July, however, he headed to Holzkirchen, a quick commute from the centre of Munich, to compete in the Para-Cycling Europa Cup. White clinched his qualifying time in Germany with a respectable 31.23 to finish ninth in the 22km Time Trial. Going to the Worlds will give Russell the opportunity to gain as many International ranking points as possible, says Hughes. Whether Russell competes at the Beijing Paralympics or not hinges on his performance in Bordeaux. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that there are more cyclists challenging for a place in the GB squad for Beijing than there are places. White competes in the LC1 category (athletes with upper limb disability) which is extremely competitive.
