Amputee Bicyclist Races 200 Miles in One Day

Vince Cipriano, Port Angeles, Washington, really puts himself and his prosthesis to the test.

Along with 7,000 able-bodied bicycle riders, Cipriano, a left transtibial amputee, pedaled 200 miles during the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP) run Saturday, July 13. He completed the race in one day. Most cyclists could not compete with Cipriano and stayed overnight in either Centralia or Winlock, Washington, crossing the finish line on Sunday.

Since it was sweltering hot on Friday, Cipriano was hoping for overcast and a tailwind for Saturday. He reached the finish line under cooler weather conditions at 11:30 P.M. Although the blacktop still radiated heat, Cipriano's prosthetic foot, the new Seattle Systems Cadence HP, "held up great," he reported. "In fact, I found the foot to be very light. My older prosthesis was like having a cast on my leg. This one felt like there was nothing there; it is easy to maneuver with; it's very functional and comfortable!"

Cipriano aspires to participate in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, and he will be wearing the Cadence HP through many more competitions as he continues to prepare for that event.

"I need strong legs for competing in the Paralympics," the 54-year-old cyclist said. He is trying to do everything that he wants to now, while he still can, Cipriano said. He added, "And I want to help other people realize that, no matter how old you are or how severe your physical disabilities are, you can still always reach the goals you never thought were possible."

When Cipriano is not on a bicycle he may be found working on a one-seat Hi-Max ultralight plane or with his nine-month-old granddaughter, Madilyn Ronening, since he takes care of her two days a week.

Cipriano lost his leg as a result of a motorcycle accident in Port Angeles. He also suffers from painful arterial sclerosis, but it certainly hasn't slowed him down!

Amputee Bicyclist Races 200 Miles in One Day

Academy Leaps First Hurdle in Preventing O&P Funding Cuts

NegReg Committee Sets Meeting Dates

NegReg Committee Sets Meeting Dates

RECENT NEWS

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Certified Orthotist & Orthotic Technician

Prosthetic/Orthotic Technician – Boise, ID

Certified Orthotist

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Amputee Bicyclist Races 200 Miles in One Day

Support authors and subscribe to content

Subscribe

Related posts:

Academy Leaps First Hurdle in Preventing O&P Funding Cuts

NegReg Committee Sets Meeting Dates

NegReg Committee Sets Meeting Dates

RECENT NEWS

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Certified Orthotist & Orthotic Technician

Prosthetic/Orthotic Technician – Boise, ID

Certified Orthotist

Login to your account

Reset Password

Signup to your Account

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Login to your account

Reset Password

Signup to your Account

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation