Nelson’s steep learning curve
Timaru hand cyclist Jono Nelson is changing focus after returning from his European trip.
The 33-year-old competed in two UCI World Cup races, one in Italy and other in Belgium
Nelson said it was a big learning experience.
In Maniago, Nelson finished 23rd in the time trial and 24th in road race.
‘‘In the road race I managed to draft with eight other hand cycles in a pack which I have never been able to do before,’’ he said. ‘‘I see that as a huge improvement from 2015 when I was last in Europe.’’
He also had to endure around 300m of cobbled road on each lap.
In Belgium, Nelson finished with similar results, 28th in time trial and 25th road race.
Nelson said out of the two competitions the Italian World Cup was better for him.
‘‘The courses suited my riding style more as I’m a strength based rider,’’ he said. ‘‘The road race had a couple of small hills in it but the Belgium courses were totally flat and unfortunately it was very windy in Ostend.’’
Nelson said he and his coach John Rich both learnt a lot from the trip.
‘‘It was the first my coach as seen my H4 class racing at international level. Because of this he is able to make changes to my training program to make me a better athlete.’’
Nelson said his focus would change to the time trial.
‘‘I will be working on intense intervals at high speed.’’
Nelson said H4 was the fastest category at the World Cup races.
‘‘It shows what I am up against.’’
In Europe, Nelson raced in the Timaru Cycling Club colours, as an independent athlete, meaning that the whole trip was self funded.
He will now have a two week break from the bike before get back into training to prepare for the 2018 international season.
While he was away Nelson received the award for the ‘‘outstanding sportsperson with a disability’’ at the South Canterbury Sports Awards.
Nelson’s dream remains to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympics after missing out on Rio and said, at 33 ,his age was irrelevant really.
‘‘It is not quite the same as ablebodied athletes, the world champion in my grade is well into his forties,’’ he said.
He has gradually brought his world ranking down to 21st over the past couple of years .