Handcylist enjoys successful season

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Several months ago, The Citizen ran a story about Dwayne Sanders, a local man who was beginning to race handcycles. The season is now over and Sanders has gone from a man just getting his bearings in the sport to a force to be reckoned with.

In the past year, he has raced in several big races and made lots of friends along the way. His most recent race was on Labor Day at the 10K Classic from the Cumberland Mall to Whitewater Fun Park. He placed 16th out of 25 racers in the wheelchair race. The race officials were impressed with the handcycles and will have a separate handcycle division next year.

In April, Sanders raced in the Twilight Criterium in Athens, Ga. A criterium race is one in which streets are blocked off and contestants race around a quarter mile loop. Sanders finished third but got his revenge when he beat the man who finished second in the national championships several weeks later. Sanders traveled to Binghamton, N.Y. and won the national championship in the time trial portion of the race and placed second in the criterium portion.

"I've learned to pace myself in training and know I can get better," Sanders said. "I am anxious to get out there again next year."

Sanders did not go to the next race in Santa Cruz, Calif. because he had not raised enough money. It was disappointing for him because he had beat the eventual winner of the race earlier in the season.

"I started approaching sponsors too late in the season last year," Sanders said. "My goal for the upcoming season is to raise enough money to travel to the bigger races."

He continues to give his all to the sport and gets encouragement from the community and, most importantly, his family. They recently rode 20 miles in the Brooks Century.

His devotion to handcycling has sparked his family's interest in bike riding and unites them with a fun and healthy activity. He has even noticed an increased interest among his friends and neighbors. He is hoping that the interest will continue to grow until it is a sport in the Paralympics. Sanders also would like to see more regional events and divisions for all levels of racers.

"In each race there are about three or four racers who really shine," explained Sanders. "That can be discouraging for people who are trying out the sport for the first few times."

The Handcycle Federation's season will start up again in March, but people of Fayette County will most likely see Sanders before that, training on the roads in the mornings. Be sure to wave; he'll be sure to wave back.

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