Handcyclists Race Downtown

Handcyclists racing in the Clocktower Classic finished the event Friday evening in downton Rome in front of a crowd of cheering fans.

The race started on First Street and headed south, taking a right on Second Avenue, then a right on Broad Street, followed by a right on Fourth Avenue, and then another right on First Street to finished the lap.

The 20-lap race started at about 6 p.m. and the roads were expected to re-open by 9 p.m. (south Broad Street was not closed).

Crystal Stevens brought her 8-year-old wheelbound son Marc from Chattanooga to see the race. Marc was born with a tumor on his spine that caused paralysis.

“All little boys should have a sports figure to look up to,” she said. “We’ve always told him that just because he doesn’t walk doesn’t mean he can’t still be an athelete.”

Marc said he was excited.

“I watch it on the Internet sometimes, but I have never saw a race in person. It’s so much fun,” he said.

Stevens said her son has always wanted to be a doctor when he grows up, because he’s dealt with a lot of medical personnel through the years that have made an impression on him. Now he may be re-thinking that plan.

“I want to get a handcycle for my birthday this year so I can start doing it sooner. The more you get to do something the better you can be,” he said.