OTTAWA, ON (September 6, 2026) – Canadian para-cycling star Maarten Duif delivered an exceptional performance at the 2026 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships today, capturing silver in the Men’s H1 Road Race in Huntsville, Alabama. The podium finish marks a major milestone in Duif’s international career, earning him his first-ever World Championship medal and solidifying his place among the world’s elite handcyclists.
“I didn’t think I had it in the start and then it all just came together in that first lap,” said Duif. “Very good competitors out here and I tried to make the most it, and then at the end I claimed silver and it’s such an honour to have the Canadian jersey on. Set my goals ambitious for this, and it’s such a reality shock to come out with silver. It hasn’t hit yet but it’s coming!”
Duif entered the World Championships after an incredible season that established him as one of Canada’s top para-cyclists. In the 2026 season, he earned silver in the MH1 road race and bronze in the MH1 time trial at the World Cup in Maniago, Italy, before repeating those results with another silver in the road race and bronze in the time trial at the season-ending World Cup in Abruzzo, Italy. The four-medal haul established Duif as one of Canada’s most consistent international performers and helped propel him to his first career World Championship podium.
Duif’s journey to the World Championship podium began less than a decade ago. After purchasing his first handcycle in 2018, he began competing the following year and steadily developed his strength and endurance through long hours of training on the roads. Cycling Canada proudly congratulates Duif on this milestone and looks forward to seeing him continue to inspire athletes across the country while representing Canada on the world stage. For full results please click here.
