Alex Zanardi, the Italian Forumla 1 and CART racing car driver who lost both of his legs in a horrific auto race accident in 2001, won the NYC Marathon Handbiking Division race yesterday racing for the Barilla Blu Team.
After his accident in 2001 Zanardi returned to racing in the European Touring Car Championship series for several years before retiring. He drove a modified touring car that allowed the use of prosthetics.
In 2007 he began to race marathons in the handbike division. In 2009 he won the Venice Marathon, last year the Rome City Marathon, and now the NYC Marathon in a very close race. Zanardi's goal is to represent Italy in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London.
Congratulations Alex, you are an inspiration!
Top 10:
1 488 Alessandro Zanardi 01:13:58 Italy ITA
2 484 Rafal Wilk 01:14:00 Poland POL
3 460 Ludovic Narce 01:22:40 France FRA
4 472 Fernando Rocha 01:26:56 Brazil BRA
5 457 Jarrod Moncur 01:27:43 Australia AUS
6 462 Robert Nowicki 01:32:02 Poland POL
7 480 Michael Taylor 01:39:57 CA United States USA
8 411 Aquilo Calderon 01:39:57 Ecuador ECU
9 459 Michael Murphy 01:40:21 VA United States USA
10 423 Alfredo Delossantos 01:40:45 NY United States USA
Photo: from another racing event
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"Pineapple" (does anyone know how he got this nickname?)was on the Passo Campolongo this year when we were there during our Legendary Climbs tour. And YES, he was cranking that hand-bike up the Dolomite passes! He was mobbed by fans when he stopped for a break....somehow I bet he hauls a__ on those descents despite bring on what is essentially a tricycle.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing people that have been tragically disadvantage take themselves to a higher limit dispite their situation. It is very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteHe is amazing! Great talents i would have to say.
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