by Alicia Dana, CAF Women’s Adaptive Paracycling Team member 

After more than a year apart, the CAF Women’s Adaptive Paracycling Team reunited for an unforgettable weekend of racing at the US Paralympics Cycling Open in Huntsville, Alabama. This was the first major race we’d traveled to as a team in over a year, making it even more exciting to reconnect, share stories, and get back to what we love most—competitive bike racing. 

This event marked an important start to the racing season, with high stakes: selections for the upcoming World Cup in Ostend, Belgium. We arrived early for required COVID-19 testing, which gave us bonus time to assemble our handcycles, preview the challenging Time Trial course, and enjoy some long-overdue camaraderie. As always in adaptive cycling, there were plenty of last-minute equipment tweaks—foam padding adjustments, hardware store runs, and wrench work—to ensure every rider was race-ready. 

Saturday: Time Trials and Fast Finishes 

The weekend kicked off with Saturday’s Time Trial, a single lap of a fast, technical 9.3-mile course through Cummings Research Park. The entire team delivered incredible performances: 

• Oksana Masters and Lera Doederlein dominated the WH5 category, finishing first and second. 

• Ryen Reed took the win in the WH4 category. 

• I (Alicia Dana) secured first, and Gabby Graves-Wake placed third in WH3. 

Oksana and I rode strong enough to qualify for the World Cup roster, meaning we’ll soon head to Belgium to represent CAF on an international stage. 

Sunday: Road Race, Strategy, and Podium Surprises 

Sunday’s Road Race tested both endurance and teamwork, with four laps around a 7.5-mile circuit. Leading into the race, we debated strategy, planning to position three of us on the podium. But as often happens in cycling, “Plan A” didn’t hold up. 

Oksana and I broke away early, forming a lead group while Ryen fought hard against Jenna Rollman (Team Possabilities). Behind them, Gabby, Lera, and Danielle worked together before Danielle surged ahead, setting up a dramatic finish. 

In the closing miles, I made a move to sprint past Oksana and opened a small gap on a descent. However, a final incline favored Oksana’s incredible trunk strength, allowing her to reclaim the lead and cross the line first. 

• Oksana Masters: 1st overall, WH5 

• Alicia Dana: 2nd overall, WH3 winner 

• Ryen Reed: 4th overall, WH4 winner 

• Danielle: Breakthrough bronze finish in WH3 

Danielle’s podium finish marked a career-first, a standout moment that had the whole team celebrating. 

Teamwork Makes It Possible 

This weekend wasn’t just about medals—it was about resilience, teamwork, and the return of in-person competition. None of it would have been possible without the guidance of our fearless leader, Carlos Moleda, and the incredible volunteer support from Joaninha, Kathy, Gay, and Ryann Kress. Their dedication kept us fueled, focused, and ready to perform. 

Help Us Keep Racing Toward the Podium 

Every race, every medal, and every breakthrough performance is fueled by the support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation community. Your contributions provide adaptive equipment, travel assistance, and the resources athletes need to compete at the highest levels. 

Donate to CAF and help ensure athletes like us can continue breaking barriers and representing adaptive sports on the world stage.