PARALYMPIC GAMES KICK OFF IN LONDON WITH TRACK CYCLING RACES
Molnar fourth in Individual Pursuit; Hall of Famer Boldt makes official comeback after 20 years absence
(London, GBR – August 30, 2012) The 2012 Paralympic Games kicked off today with the presentation of the 1000m Time Trials for the Men’s Cycle, and the Individual Pursuit for the Women’s C4-5.
Marie-Claude Molnar of Ste-Adèle, Québec, the World Record Holder entering the event, race to a Fourth place in today’s opening action. She qualified in the morning qualification with the fourth fastest time, and faced off against Great Britain’s Alexandra Green for the bronze medal race.
“I am very happy today. I lowered by personal best at sea-level by more than five seconds.” said Molnar after the race.
In the event, Great Britain’s Susan Powell went on to win the Gold medal. In the morning qualification, Powell shattered the World Record set by Molnar in Guadalajara, Mexico, which was 4:05.403.
The men’s tandem of Daniel Chalifour and Alexandre Cloutier placed seventh in the individual pursuit with a time of 4:28:648.
In the Men’s C kilo races, Calgary’s Brayden McDougall was the top Canadian finishers, with a 12th place in the C1-3. Saskatchewan’s Arnold Boldt, participating at his fifth Paralympic Games, went on to finish 25th, while Calgary’s Jaye Milley placed 26th. Two World Records were broken in today’s race, with China’s Yu Li Zhang and Germany’s Tobias Grant breaking World Record in their respective categories.
“I am very happy with my results. I actually had a personal best in the Kilo race, by seconds. The venue is great and tremendous to be racing in,” said Boldt after the race.
Jaye Milley: I am satisfied. This was the very first race of my Paralympic games. I am completely satisfied. I left it all on the line. I destroyed the track, and did everything I could. Tomorrow will be even better with the Individual Pursuit and hopefully good things will come out of that.”
The track cycling event at the 2012 Paralympic Games continues tomorrow.
— With files from Canadian Paralympic Committee.
— Photo Credit: Canadian Paralympic Committee / Phil MacCallum
