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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