International Cycling Union to start para-cycling World Cup circuit in 2010

AIGLE, Switzerland - A World Cup for para-cyclists will start in 2010.

The International Cycling Union announced the inaugural circuit of three events will be held between May and July in Correze, France; Segovia, Spain; and Baie-Comeau, Canada.

UCI para-cycling co-ordinator Chantale Philie says a fourth event in Asia or Oceania may be added to the World Cup in 2011.

Riders and national teams will earn points to qualify for the 2011 Para-cycling Road World Championships in Roskilde, Denmark.

One likely competitor is Alex Zanardi, the former Formula One driver who lost both legs in a racing accident eight years ago. Zanardi is aiming to make the Italian hand cycling team at the 2012 Paralympics in London.