Headlining the squad are Paralympic champions Philippa Gray with pilot Laura Fairweather, who took gold in the women's individual pursuit at London 2012, along with silver in the road time trial and bronze in the 1km time trial.

Three-time Paralympian Fiona Southorn, who claimed bronze in the women's pursuit C5 at last summer's Paralympics, is also included in the New Zealand squad.

There will also be a first World Championship appearance for 2008 Paralympic silver medal-winning track sprinter Kate Horan, who has made the transition from running to cycling.

"I'm loving the new challenge that cycling has brought," said the 37-year-old from Wellington, winner of a silver medal in the T44 200 metres in Beijing.

"I'm very excited to be selected for my first Para-Cycling World Champs."

Three-time Paralympian Fiona Southorn is included in the New Zealand squad for the road cycling World Cup and World Championships

Hand cyclists Tiffiney Perry, Jonathan Nelson and Brendon Stratton are included in the squad after their strong showings at the Australian Para-Cycling Road Nationals last month, along with Tim Williams, who impressed at the BikeNZ Club Road National Championships.

PNZ Bike Head Performance Coach Brendon Cameron said: "We are very excited about this team as we believe we have a great mix of experience and enthusiasm,"

"This team highlights the recent work that has been done following on from London to ensure that we have developing athletes coming through.

"Competing at international events such as these are vital on our road to Rio."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2013: Paralympics New Zealand stage cycling talent identification camp in in New Plymouth
December 2013: Paralympics New Zealand secure Cameron through to Rio 2016