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World Cycling Day

Kiera Byland standing with a gold medal around her neck.
British cycling star Kiera Byland won a gold medal for Team Great Britain in her opening race at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 on 16 March. The 20-year-old athlete was first across the finish line in the women’s 15-kilometer Road Race Final held at Yas Marina Circuit. Kiera, who comes from the north-west of England, was delighted with her performance after completing the race in 24 minutes and 24 seconds. Kiera put her victory down to months of hard training and preparation ahead of the World Games. Watch the interview of Daniel Smrokowski and Keira Byland and read the full story.
Unified athlete poses on his bicycle ahead of the starting line. Other cyclists are in the background.
Cyclists of all ages, abilities and fitness levels turned up at Yas Marina Circuit on October 28th for the latest edition of ‘Cycle Unified’ and rode alongside members of the UAE National Cycling Team as a mark of unity and solidarity with all people of determination ahead of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. Cycle Unified aims to break down barriers and promote social inclusion by having cyclists with and without intellectual disabilities ride alongside each other. The monthly event is part of the Special Olympics Unified Sports program and is a key initiative of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. Read the full story.
8 people, from the left, one Ethiad representative, a male trainer, 5 athletes including Abhishek with a bandage on his hand and another trainer.
Abhishek Gogoi said he would do his best at World Games—and he did. But after taking a bad fall on the windy, sloping course on Sunday, Abhishek was knocked out of a third-place slot. It happened after another cyclist fell right in front of him. Yet, Abhishek was determined to get back on track for this week's 10K Road Race, if at all possible. But getting back in the game wasn't that simple. First, officials requested that Abhishek formally consent to competing, despite his injuries. Officials requested that a doctor approve Abhishek's return to the 10K competition as well. Read the full story.
Michael and Jonah Hambleton standing with their arms around one another both with credentials around their necks.
Micah Hambleton, 16, from the United Arab Emirates, won a gold medal in the Special Olympics Division 1 category at the Daman World Triathlon Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. His brother Jonah, also 16, earned silver. Their brothers Isaac and Joel are set to take part in the Special Olympics World Games Open Water Swimming competition on March 16. All four brothers are adopted. The triathlon—a three-sport athletic competition involving swimming, cycling, and running—is part of the International Triathlon Union World Triathlon Series. Read the full story.
A large group of cyclists start off on their first lap around Yas Marina Circuit.
Cyclists start off on their first lap around Yas Marina Circuit.
Kiera riding her bike next to another athlete. Both have safety helmets on.
Kiera Byland (right) during cycling race in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
 Abhishek with his unified partner goofing around; Abhishek jumping on his partners back.
Abhishek and Bharat coach Harman Gill.
Three volunteer cyclists, side by side, cycle around the course. All three are on blue bikes with matching blue helmets.
Three volunteers cycle around the course on their bicycles.
Special Olympics World Games mascots pose with five cyclists.
Special Olympics World Games mascots pose with five cyclists.

Recommended Videos

Daniel Smrokowski and Keira Byland

Daniel Smrokowski, a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger, interviews Kiera Byland, who won three gold medals in cycling at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games.

Abhishek Gogoi

With his ambitious training runs, 18-year-old Abhishek has become a familiar sight around Guwahati, the largest city in northeast India.

Meet Gold Medal Cyclist Kiera Byland

Kiera Byland wins gold again for cycling at the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi, UAE.