One of the most competitive fields ever assembled in the USA from around the US, Europe and Africa , came to Melbourne Florida to compete in the inaugural Top End Euro-Euro American Handcycle Championship. Forty handcyclists competed a marathon distance for $2650 in prize money in men’s, women’s and quad divisions.

Sunny, brisk and windy conditions at the start quickly paired the field down to ten racers including Oz Sanchez, Ernst van Dyk,  Vincente Arzo, Dane Pilon, Krige Shabort, Chris Peterson and even Monique van der Vorst. After the first of four steep bridges the lead group was down to six with Van dyk, Arzo, Schabort, Sanchez, Pilon and Peterson.

The race was fast at times but became a tactical race with Van Dyk and Peterson working together to try to shake the others.    It seemed no one could get away but Van Dyk kept the pressure on and waited for the last bridge to make the big move. He attacked and only Peterson could respond with Pilon on his wheel.   Pilon managed to keep contact with Van Dyk, but was beat in the sprint by the stronger Van Dyk who won in a time of 1:13:35.  Peterson was third, ten seconds back followed by Arzo then Sanchez. Five out of the first six were riding either a Top End Force R or Top End Force K handcycle.   

The Womens’ race was easily won by Monique van der Vorst in a time of one  hour 19 minutes. The Masters division was won by Scott McNeice and Scott Rimmer won the quad division.