Record 11 Nations and 38 Riders to Participate in World Deaf Cycling Championships

FREMONT, Calif.– The upcoming World Deaf Cycling Championships will see record participation levels. To date, 11 nations and 38 riders will compete in the week-long international event, a record in the history of deaf cycling competition.

Russia is the latest nation to have confirmed its participation. The other teams are USA, Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Czech Republic, France, Italy, New Zealand, Slovakia and South Africa.

“We are pleased to have Russia participate. They are a legitimate contender and among the strongest competitors in the Deaflympics,” said Nathaniel Horwitz, director of the 2006 World Deaf Cycling Championships.

USA is hosting the World Deaf Cycling Championships for the first time ever, and expects to make a strong showing. Team USA took several medals in the 2005 Deaflympics and two of its medal-winning cyclists are expected to lead the Americans to a high standing.

All races will be covered by DeafNation, the 2006 WDCC media partner. Daily streaming video and immediate race results will be available online. This will enable the international community to root for their champions and for coaches, family, friends and sponsors to keep abreast of WDCC race results.

The 2006 WDCC schedule can be found at http://www.usdeafsports.org/2006cycling/schedule.html. The velodrome events will feature the World Deaf Cycling championships 1000m sprints and points race and, in between, races for the Northern California track cyclists.

Admission to this unique sporting event is free; however, seating is limited. Fans can register online starting April 1 at http://www.usdeafsports.org/2006cycling/schedule.html.

About the 2006 World Deaf Cycling Championships

The 2006 World Deaf Cycling Championships is sanctioned by the International Committee of Deaf Sports, a member of the International Olympic Committee, and is hosted by the USA Deaf Sports Federation, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The week-long championships will take place in San Francisco, California from June 18 to 24 2006. Please visit www.usdeafsports.org/2006cycling.