Rio 2016 preview: Cycling road

Cycling road at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place in Pontal, a temporary open-air facility located on the coast, in Rio de Janeiro’s Western Zone, between 14-17 September.

Italy’s former Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi, who won gold in the individual road race H4 at London 2012, will look to defend his Paralympic title after years dominating his class.

Israel’s Hilario Rimas had an outstanding 2015, winning his first ever world title in the road race C2 at the UCI Para cycling Road World Championships in Nottwil, Switzerland. In Rio, he seeks to secure Peru’s first Paralympic medal in 12 years.

Poland’s Iwona Podkoscielna, together with pilot Aleksandra Wnuczek, finished top of the world rankings in 2015 and will be competing at her first Paralympics.

Japan’s London 2012 bronze medallist Masaki Fujita (men’s C3) and Australia’s Paralympic champion Carol Cooke (women’s T1-2) will be others to look out for.

Location: Pontal

Schedule: 14-17 September

Ones to watch:

• Alex Zanardi (ITA): The former Formula 1 driver does not seem to slow down as he goes for his third Paralympic gold medal.

• Israel Hilario Rimas (PER): Peru’s hopes to win its first Paralympic medal in 12 years rest with the 41-year-old.

• Iwona Podkoscielna (POL): After finishing top of the world rankings in 2015, she is hoping to shine at her first Paralympics alongside her pilot Aleksandra Wnuczek.

• Masaki Fujita (JPN): Japan will seek a cycling medal from Fujita, who won bronze in the individual time trial C3 at London 2012.

• Carol Cooke (AUS): The London 2012 champion has been dominating the T1-2 class in recent years and eyes further success in Rio.