Will Reynolds reflects on his second “rookie” year on the para racing circuit.
“The 2014 season was filled with ups and downs, as any cyclist experiences, and as I expected making the transition from 1 leg cycling to “2” leg cycling with prosthetic. As mentioned in my previous mid-season blog, this changed my para classification from C2 to C3, essentially making it may second “rookie” season racing on the para circuit. That being said, the decision to race and ride with prosthetic was one that I still don’t regret given my accomplishment throughout the season on the bike and those off the bike facilitated by my increasing body symmetry.
Coming off my 2013 season where at Para Nationals, I was able land on the podium in each discipline for my category (3rd, in the TT, 3rd in the RR and 2nd in the Crit), I had high expectations for my performance in my new category in the 2014 season. Despite adapting my riding style yet again and riding in a more “faster” category, I was able to find my way to the podium in the Para Nationals Crit, placing 3rd and just missing the podium in the RR and TT. Despite solid performances at Para Nationals, my times and international competitiveness were not up to standard to be named to the Para National team, so I was unable to race at World Championships on our home soil in Greenville South, Carolina. Regardless, I cherished the opportunity to cheer for the US Para National A and B team cyclist that were able to have that experience on their home soil…a third of which were also fellow wounded, ill or injured veterans.
Despite not being able to race in Para World Championships, I had a great racing and training end to the season on both the able-bodied and the Para Circuit. I raced in several mass start able-bodied Category 5, USA Cycling races, finishing all mostly in the top of the bottom third to earn my Category 4 status. I also found my way to the podium on several regional Para TTs, racing all at the US Para National Team Emerging standard for my category, 1:40/KM or faster on a minimum of a 15K TT. And to culminate my season, I found my way to the podium for cycling two times (RR and TT) at the Invictus Games, an inaugural Paralympic style competition of international wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, featuring athletes from 14 nations hosted in London, UK.
With a strong finish to the season, I again have the highest hopes for the 2015 season, continuing my pursuit to make the US Paralympic National Cycling Team. The offseason was filled with making the steps to reach my ultimate goal; I acquired my first coach, Mark Orton of Speedworks Coaching; I applied for and was accepted to the US Military Endurance Sports Elite Para team—an informal “farm” team for the US Paralympic National Cycling Team offering increased support, and mentorship to help me achieve my national and international goals; and finally, of course tuned up my NeilPryde RR and TT machines! In addition to those preparatory steps, I also participated in several Velodrome camps and training events as the US Paralympic National Cycling team prefers well-rounded cyclist for higher team utility at the upcoming games. As a result, I look forward to posting some track results in blogs later this season, and only wish I could be doing so on a NeilPryde “Gear”!
Wishing you all a safe and successful 2015 season, and I look forward to updating you on mine!”
Thanks Will and best of luck in 2015!
