Darren Hicks and para-cyclists start their long road to Tokyo at The Advertiser Track Down Under on Friday night
Adelaide athlete Darren Hicks says para-cycling is embracing the big stage for The Advertiser Track Down Under on Friday night, which will launch him towards the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
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The biggest year of Darren Hicks’ cycling career begins on home soil at the Adelaide SuperDrome on Friday night when he lines up in The Advertiser Track Down Under.
Hicks has made a stunning transition to cycling since losing his leg in a truck smash in 2014 and is now a multiple world and national champion on both the track and the road.
He has recovered from a training crash last month to be on the start line in the Track Down Under, which is launching him towards the Tokyo Paralympics in August.
“I’m looking forward to riding in front of a home crowd, which we don’t do often,” Hicks said.
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“It’s brilliant to ride at a track event that is part of the Santos Tour Down Under and just like the Women’s Tour Down Under has grown over time, para-cycling can do the same to bring it to the forefront and become more mainstream.
“Having para-cycling (at the TDU) is giving us a greater presence, especially in the lead-up to Tokyo.
“I can only dream that one day para-cycling will be at the forefront like all other disciplines and totally mainstream.
“The Track Down Under gives us a platform to show our ability and that we work just as hard as our able-bodied peers.
“We are athletes in our own right at the highest level.”
Friday night’s program will feature Australia’s men’s and women’s team pursuiters and the track sprinters who are also targeting Tokyo this year.
Racing starts at 7.30pm.
Originally published as Darren Hicks and para-cyclists start their long road to Tokyo at The Advertiser Track Down Under on Friday night