Davis working toward August championships

BY Aprile McKinnon

Canyon Lake paracyclist Michael Davis rode his fastest Time Trial ever earlier in the year in Wisconsin and easily secured the second position among trike riders in the country.

However, at the race, he found himself ranked ninth out of all riders in all classes across the nation, not just his trike class. In order to compete at the next level, he needed to come in 8th or above.

“The ranking system compared my speed in the race to that of all the other riders in the nation, be it tricycle, hand-cycle, or bike,” Michael said. “I’m determined to improve my performance and be in the top eight.”

With each World Cup event, Michael had consistently made significant strides in his abilities, but it was in Wisconsin where he experienced the most substantial gains, he said. Michael will head to Augusta, GA for the National Championships in August. This race in Georgia serves as a qualifying event for the last major competition of the year, the prestigious Parapan American Games in Chile.

Michael said he is fully aware that the road ahead will be challenging. The selection process for the Parapan American Games is even more limited. In order to secure an automatic spot for the World Championships, he needs to place in the top eight in the country. However, for the Parapan American Games, he believes he needs to rank in the top four or six.

Getting into that top elite group won’t be easy and means he has another intense month of rigorous riding and training ahead of him on the streets of Canyon Lake.

“I’m fully aware that my work is cut out for me,” he said. “But I’m determined to give it my all and seize the opportunity to compete at the highest level.”