The five-strong team is the first of its kind to represent New Zealand at a World Championships across each of the four cycling divisions - tricycle, handcycle, standard bike, and tandem bike.

It is headed up by defending men’s H1 time trial world champion Tim Williams and 2014 women’s tandem time trial silver medallists Emma Foy and Laura Thompson.

Men’s C3 competitor Fraser Sharp, who recently finished fifth at the opening round of the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup in Maniago, Italy, is one of two new additions to the team.

He is joined by Stephen Hills, new to competing in the T2 men's class but who has showed significant improvement this month from the World Cup in Maniago, where he finished 11th in the time trial, to the second round in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, coming came sixth in both the time trial and road race.

“We believe Stephen has the potential to continue to improve rapidly and make further gains leading into the World Championships in six weeks time,” said Jono Hailstone, PNZ’s Para-cycling head performance coach.

“The event will also provide vital racing experience for Stephen, who has very limited opportunities to race in an international men's trike field.

“This racing experience will play a pivotal role in Stephen’s development as a trike rider, and his progress towards the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

“The goals for this team are very clear; we're going to the World Championships to win medals.

“For the road-only athletes, this is their last pinnacle event before the Rio 2016 Paralympics, so is an important opportunity for them to put their case forward for Rio selection."

Hailstone was appointed to his role only last month, but has been involved with PNZ’s Para-cycling performance programme for five years and been the organisation’s assistant performance coach since 2013.

He played a large part in the development of London 2012 Paralympic bronze medallist Fiona Southorn and most recently he coached Williams to his world title. 

Prior to heading to this year’s World Championships, due to take place from August 28 to September 2, the New Zealand team will first contest the third round of the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup in Elzach, Germany.


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