Nicholas leads the pack to land gold

Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Jan McLucas today congratulated cyclist David Nicholas on winning the men’s individual C3 time trial on day one of the Paralympic road racing.

Entering the final as reigning world champion, David delivered an impressive performance to win in a time of 23:22.13.

The race is a test of stamina and staying-power and David blitzed the field to break away from the pack at the start of the race – building an eight second lead on his competitors at the 8km halfway mark.

Demonstrating his endurance, David extended his lead in the final leg to finish more than 10 seconds ahead of American Joseph Berenyi.

David was the only team member on the Australian track cycling team not to secure a podium finish in a final at the London Velodrome.

It is a credit to his drive and determination that he was able to channel his energy into the time trial to claim gold on day one of the road racing.

The Gillard Government is working towards a future where all Australian children and adults with disability lead lives of dignity and opportunity.

We are providing $1 billion to deliver the first stage of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to provide Australians with a disability the care and support they need, when they need it.

The Australian Government has also provided strong funding to support our Paralympic Team, committing over $13.7 million in 2011-12 for the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) and $2.7 million in Direct Athlete Support (DAS) to help Australia’s Paralympic athletes reach their potential.