Rafal Wilk produced a commanding performance to win the Prudential RideLondon Elite Handcycle Grand Prix at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this evening bringing day one of the Prudential RideLondon festival of cycling to a close.
Wilk reigned supreme among a high-quality field containing some of the world’s top handcyclists. The Pole left his rivals floundering as he sped around the course at the Lee Valley VeloPark road circuit at an average speed of 39kph before crossing the line in 44 minutes 29 seconds.
“I am so happy with this win,” he beamed. “I felt great coming into the race today. My condition is good and now I have two weeks at altitude at a training camp and then I’m off to Rio.
“Today was a boost for my preparations against a strong field. I’m now heading to Rio determined to fight and win the gold medal.
“Every race is a test, but when I race in London, there’s always a great atmosphere and today’s race was over a really testing course.
“To race here at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where the Olympic and Paralympic Games took place, has been a privilege, especially on the opening day of Prudential RideLondon. It’s a great competition.”
Wilk took control after 25 minutes and was never threatened, but the chase for second developed into a fascinating contest. Austria’s Walter Ablinger, a winner in 2013 and 2014, just clinched second this time ahead of Denmark’s Kim Christiansen, both timed at 46:04.
Renata Kaluza of Spain was also dominant, winning the women’s race in 46:26 ahead of Switzerland’s Sandra Graf (45:36), with Britain’s Liz McTernan in third in 47:39.
“I found the race hard but I loved it,” said Kaluza, who attacked form the start. “I didn’t expect to win because Sandra is so usually fast on these tracks. I wanted to attack, or do something, and it worked.
“It’s my first time at this event and it’s really great because we can show the world what handcycling is about. It’s a great promotion for the sport.
“Prudential RideLondon is a great festival. I hope they invite me back.”