Embracing its competitive spirit, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is set to host four major national championship events July 8–11 in and around Boise, Idaho. The USA Para-Cycling Road Race, Time Trials, Criterium, and Relay National Championships will bring together world-class adaptive cyclists from across the country. This landmark weekend marks the final domestic championship before the Tokyo 2020/2021 Paralympic Games, providing elite athletes with a crucial opportunity to compete at the highest level.
For the first time, all four championship events will be held in a single location, enabling athletes to focus on peak performance rather than managing extensive travel. With a live stream, an inclusive kids ride, and the largest prize purse in para-cycling history, this event promises to elevate adaptive cycling like never before. CAF has also funded over 60 individual travel grants to ensure top athletes can participate.
“We are thrilled to partner with USA Cycling and US Paralympics to expand competitive opportunities for our athletes to showcase their spirit and strength,” said CAF-Idaho Regional Director Jennifer Skeesick. “Taking place just two months before Tokyo, this series will highlight Idaho as a destination for adaptive sports while raising the bar for para-cycling nationwide. We’re grateful to the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation for supporting this vision.”
The championships will feature the second Idaho appearance of CAF’s Women’s Adaptive Cycling Team, a groundbreaking squad formed in 2019 after two-time National Handcycling Champion Carlos Moleda recognized the need to raise the profile of women in elite para-cycling.
The six-athlete roster includes Oksana Masters, a four-time Paralympian; Alicia Dana, a two-time Paralympian; and accomplished competitors Gabrielle Platt, Danielle Watson, Lera Deoderlein, and Ryan Reed. Sponsored by ChargePoint, Toyota, 100%, J&L Pie Company, and Nexus, this team represents the future of women’s adaptive cycling and showcases CAF’s commitment to creating opportunities for female athletes to excel.
Roderick Sewell’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of sport. Born a bilateral above-knee amputee, Roderick spent much of his childhood homeless before discovering adaptive sports through CAF at age 8. Since then, he has defied expectations—becoming a member of the U.S. Paralympic Swim Team and making history as the first bilateral above-knee amputee to complete the Kona IRONMAN World Championships in 2019. In Boise, Roderick will compete in handcycling as part of his road to the Tokyo Paralympics, continuing to inspire others facing physical and personal challenges.
Former U.S. Navy electrician Will Groulx turned tragedy into triumph after a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. Just seven months later, Will discovered wheelchair rugby and went on to make three U.S. Paralympic Teams. Transitioning to handcycling, he claimed gold and two silver medals at the Rio 2016 Games and has since become a powerhouse in the sport. A proud Team Bridgestone athlete, Groulx has already secured a spot on Team USA for Tokyo 2021, and his participation in Idaho will serve as a key preparation for the upcoming Paralympics.
In 2008, Jamie Whitmore—a world-class mountain bike racer—was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that caused permanent nerve damage and “drop foot.” After a three-year battle and raising twin boys, Jamie returned to competition as a para-cyclist and has since become one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. Over the last three years, Jamie has earned nine World Titles on both road and track and set two world records in the 500TT and 3K pursuit. Competing in Idaho, Jamie continues to inspire as she aims for another Paralympic triumph in Tokyo.
Brandon Lyons’ life changed in 2014 when a beach diving accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. Refusing to be defined by his injury, Brandon reclaimed independence through adaptive sports and is now making history as the first handcyclist to live full-time at the U.S. Paralympic Training Center. At just 30 years old, Brandon has become a rising star in para-cycling and a beacon of hope for those facing spinal cord injuries. His performance in Idaho will be a key step toward achieving his Paralympic dreams.
CAF has long been a leader in adaptive cycling, providing thousands of athletes with physical challenges access to equipment, clinics, grant funding, and inclusive cycling events. This weekend’s championship showcases the talent, resilience, and determination of para-cyclists while inspiring people of all abilities to get back in the game of life.
The 2021 USA Para-Cycling National Championships in Boise showcased the power of resilience, athleticism, and community. While this historic event has concluded, the impact continues.
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