Few road para-cyclists can boast the impressive athletic record that Quentin Aubague can. The 27 year-old Frenchman who competes in the T1 class has three French National Championships, and 11 gold medals earned at UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships. In Rio, his goal is nothing less than to become the new Paralympic Champion in the time trial.

His dream of participating in the Paralympic Games came true at the London Games in 2012, where he finished just off the podium in the time trial, and crossed the line in the road race in ninth place. In Brazil, Aubague will be sure to use experience to his advantage.

However, the World-ranked number three para-cyclist will still have to beware of Sweden’s Rickard Nilsson – ranked second in UCI ranking, and who took fourth place in road race and time trial at the 2015 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships.

Courage and Perseverance

A passion for cycling has run in Quentin Aubague’s veins since he was little. A brain hemorrhage at birth left him a quadriplegic, and his right side is partially paralyzed. At one point, doctors told his parents that their son would never walk.

Against all odds, Aubague proved that doctors aren’t always correct. He started with a tricycle, then progressed to a tandem bike that he rode with his father, Bernard Aubague. Over time, and equipped with his three wheeled bike, he poured all his concentration and energy into his favourite athletic pursuit.

In 2008, he became UCI World Champion of the road race and the time trial; titles he holds dear, and would go on to win again in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2015. Race after race, the native of France continually proves his tenacity and demonstrates that he has the stuff of champions all while earning medals.

During his career, Aubague has also risen above injuries – including a left scapula fracture which excluded him from the 2013 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Baie-Comeau, Canada.