In July 2021, Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) proudly hosted four national paracycling championship events in Idaho: the USA Paralympics Cycling road race, time trials, criterium, and relay national championships. 

As the final domestic competition before the Tokyo Paralympics, the weekend brought together the nation’s top adaptive cyclists to test their skills and push their limits. Hosting all four championship races in a single state over one weekend allowed athletes to focus less on travel and more on peak performance and preparation for Tokyo. 

Alongside elite competition, CAF held an Adaptive Cycling Clinic, made exciting announcements for CAF Idaho’s future, and surprised young athletes with new handcycles—showcasing CAF’s mission to support every level of athlete, from first-timers to Paralympians. 

US Paralympics Cycling Time Trial National Championships 

The weekend kicked off early Friday morning in Glenns Ferry with the Time Trial National Championship. One by one, riders took off in one-minute intervals to tackle the grueling 15K course under intense Idaho sun and gusty winds. 

Paralympian and CAF Co-Host Muffy Davis joined Frankie Andreu, former professional and Olympic cyclist, in the livestream booth to provide live commentary as athletes battled tough crosswinds. 

• Will Groulx of Team Bridgestone and CAF blazed through the Men’s H2 category, finishing first with a screaming time of 26:07, a strong statement ahead of Tokyo. 

• Jamie Whitmore and CAF Women’s Handcycling Team riders Ellie Kennedy, Lera Doederlein, Ryen Reed, and Alicia Dana also claimed first place in their respective categories. 

Local Idaho media captured interviews at the finish line, celebrating these outstanding performances. 

“The CAF Women’s Adaptive Team performed well with great improvements. Today’s goal was two-fold: new athletes learned how to race while others gained vital experience ahead of the Paralympics. Alicia Dana was able to gauge her fitness level and adjust training or equipment as needed.” – Carlos Moleda, CAF Coach 

Watch the full Time Trial Recap
View Race Results 

CAF Idaho Announces New Headquarters: Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse 

While racing unfolded, CAF board members biked down Boise’s scenic greenbelt to unveil the future site of the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art campus designed to unite post-9/11 military veterans, their families, and adaptive athletes in one space for training, community, and support. 

Watch the Fieldhouse Announcement Video
Learn more or sign up for updates here 

This one-of-a-kind facility will further solidify Idaho as a hub for adaptive sports development and innovation. 

CAF Adaptive Cycling Clinic Presented by Regence BlueShield 

At midday, CAF hosted an Adaptive Cycling Clinic welcoming 15+ athletes, more than half trying adaptive cycling equipment for the very first time. 

• Coaches: Willie Stewart, Wilson Dippo, Mike Jennings, Becki Walters, Antonio Gonzales, and Jason Daley of St. Luke’s Sports Medicine 

• Youngest participant: Six-year-old Finn 

• Memorable moment: Ashley Parker’s pure joy exclaiming, “I like to go fassst!” 

The clinic provided hands-on coaching and trial rides, giving beginners the chance to discover the thrill of adaptive cycling. 

CAF athlete Esra with volunteer Jason Daley 

Awards Ceremony, Private Event, and Surprise Grants 

Friday evening concluded with a podium celebration followed by a CAF private event featuring powerful stories and life-changing surprises. 

• Vivian Elison, a 7-year-old born with Spina Bifida, fell in love with handcycling at a CAF paratriathlon clinic. Inspired by her BMX-racer mom, Vivian dreams of racing bikes just like her. 

• Abbas Mamoudou, originally from the Central African Republic, became paralyzed at age 10 after a violent attack forced his family to flee. Accepted as a U.S. refugee in March 2021, Abbas discovered handcycling only three months ago and now rides regularly with CAF athletes in Boise. 

That night, CAF surprised both Vivian and Abbas with brand-new handcycles, sparking tears, cheers, and a wave of emotion throughout the room. Vivian couldn’t wait to race; Abbas said he’s excited to train harder and one day compete.  

CAF’s Commitment to Every Athlete 

From national championship podiums to first-time adaptive riders, CAF’s weekend of events embodied the organization’s mission: removing barriers to sports participation and empowering athletes of all abilities. 

To see highlights from the weekend and coverage of Boise’s 34th annual Twilight Criterium, check out this news feature. 

Read Day 2 Recap Here