Alfredo De Los Santos throws up a fist pump to celebrates his 1st place finish as he crosses the finish line during the handcycling race at the USA Cycling Professional Road Race Championships in downtown Chattanooga on Monday, May 26, 2014.The racers sat or lay practically on the ground, their arms pushing the pedals in front of them, propelling them forward.
As spectators cheered, clapped and rang cowbells in support, the riders just continued to push themselves, determination and fatigue showing on their faces.
“I don’t know how they do it,” said Paul Betz, a cycling enthusiast from Columbia, Tenn. “I think their strength and upper-body endurance — they must have big engines to be able to go as fast as they do, and be as competitive as they are. It’s impressive.”
U.S. Paralympics is continuing a partnership that began in 2010 in Greenville, S.C., with USA Cycling, when handcycling was included in the national pro championships. This is the race’s second year in Chattanooga.
“I think it’s a great course. Chattanooga seems to have really been very courteous to the event and done a great job hosting it,” Betz said.