In July 2021, embracing its competitive spirit and commitment to adaptive sports, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) proudly hosted four major national championship events in Idaho:
This three-day series marked the final domestic competition before the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games. With all four events held in one state over a single weekend, elite athletes were able to focus on performance rather than travel—resulting in record-breaking times, inspiring stories, and an unforgettable display of athleticism and resilience.
The weekend began in Glenns Ferry with the Time Trial National Championship. The 15K course challenged athletes with dry heat, gusty crosswinds, and tough headwinds. Despite the brutal conditions, CAF athletes delivered phenomenal performances.
Watch the full recap here | View Race Results
While athletes raced, CAF board members biked along the greenbelt to unveil plans for the new Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse—a collaborative space for adaptive athletes and post-9/11 military families supported by Mission43.
Learn more about the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse
Later that day, CAF hosted an adaptive cycling clinic introducing over 15 athletes to handcycles and other adaptive equipment. For many, it was their first experience riding adaptive bikes, sparking excitement and smiles across the group.
During a private event, two deserving young athletes received CAF grants:
Saturday turned up the intensity with soaring 100-degree temperatures and fierce competition at the Boise Twilight Criterium.
Crit National Championship
More than 400 kids lined up to ride the crit course with Paralympians Muffy Davis and Kristen Armstrong. Adaptive athletes Brooklyn Gossard and Vivian got special moments with Paralympians—Brooklyn even riding flanked by Will Groulx and Muffy Davis, fueling her dream of becoming a para-triathlete.
The excitement continued with the Handcycle Relay featuring 5 teams of 3 athletes each:
The weekend concluded with the US Paralympics Cycling Road Race National Championship in Melba.
Challenging Course & Conditions
Athletes raced a 42K loop with a grueling 10% incline at the finish, all under 100-degree heat. Volunteers and Mission43 supporters brought energy and cooling support for competitors.
To cap off the weekend, athletes, families, and CAF supporters gathered for an awards ceremony at the Boise Zoo, celebrating national champions and recognizing incredible perseverance.
“I had a blast at the US Para-cycling Nationals in Boise! CAF made it a top-notch event. It reminded me of my pro days on the XTERRA circuit. I’m looking forward to the possibility of more events like this!”
— Jamie Whitmore, 2021 TT, Crit, and Road National Champion
The championships drew coverage from outlets including:
Together, these four national championship events not only prepared athletes for Tokyo but showcased the power of adaptive sports, inspiring future generations of challenged athletes to chase their dreams on two wheels.
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