A day after his bronze medal in the time trial, Maxime Hordies (H1) did not manage to win a new medal. The Belgian hand biker never appeared in the section during the road race (with H2 riders too). Hordies, like 3 other H1 athletes, was doubled and could not finish at the Fuji Speedway.
Even before the starting signal was given, it was already clear that a new medal would be difficult for Maxime Hordies. Both athletes from the H1 and
the H2 class came to the start of the same race.
The road race had only been going on for a few minutes when Florian Jouanny (H2) decided to go out alone. The Frenchman quickly collected a nice bonus and put his closest pursuers at one minute after 1 lap.
The high humidity made the competition very difficult for the participants. Halfway through, 2 athletes already threw in the towel. That wasn’t the case for Hordies, who kept fighting for what he was worth at the back of the race but ended up doubling down anyway.
In the meantime Jouanny turned it into a one-man show at the front. The Frenchman steamed to victory and kept a lead of 4 minutes at the finish.
Despite a lesser road race, Hordies can already look back with satisfaction on his Paralympic Games with a bronze medal.
Hordies: “Hopefully in Paris 2024 separate stage”
Handbiker Maxime Hordies (H1) finished 6th today, but was particularly unhappy about the race composition afterwards. Both H1 and H2 athletes started at the Fuji Speedway.
“That we have to ride here today with H2 riders, while yesterday there was a separate time trial for H1 riders, is unbelievable,” said Hordies.
The organization did not allow Hordies and the other H1 riders to finish because they were too far behind. “The organization didn’t let us finish, it’s unbelievable,” continued a disappointed Hordies.
These Paralympic Games provide extra motivation for Paris 2024.
“At the moment we can’t do much. But I hope that will change for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. During a normal race, there is a separate stage in H1. Why not here?”
“Yesterday there was a separate podium in the time trial, not today. That is bizarre. I know that Team Belgium will do everything to change this for the Games in Paris in three years.”
Nevertheless, Hordies looked back with satisfaction on his 1st Games with a bronze medal in his pocket. “I performed well in the time trial yesterday, but my competitors were also strong. I took bronze with my abilities.”
“I am happy with that at my first Paralympic Games. It was not gold, but this is also beautiful. And it gives me extra motivation for Paris.”
