Key Takeaways
- Canadian Para cyclists secured multiple medals at the final World Cup road race in Abruzzo, Italy, with Maarten Duif earning silver in the H1 road race and bronze in the time trial, Alexandre Hayward taking silver in the C3 time trial, and Jessica Law medalling in the women’s C5 road race.
- The Canadian Para cycling team has a busy summer ahead, targeting the Commonwealth Games (July), the World Road Championships (September 4‑7, Huntsville, AL), and the World Track Championships (fall, Apeldoorn, Netherlands).
- Mark Ideson, a 2026 Paralympic Winter Games gold‑medal skip, coached Canada’s mixed doubles junior curling team to a silver medal at the world junior championships; his daughter Brooklyn Ideson and partner Owen Henry were unbeaten until a narrow 6‑5 loss to Japan in the final.
- Paralympic bronze medallist Leanne Taylor is returning to competition after maternity leave, representing Canada at the World Para Triathlon Series stop in Yokohoma, Japan on May 16, and enters the 2026 season ranked 11th worldwide.
- Four Canadian Para canoeists—Brianna Hennessy, Erica Scarff, Mathieu St‑Pierre, and Gabe Ferron‑Bouius—are competing at the World Cup stop in Brandenburg, Germany, with team officials praising the squad’s depth and momentum from the national team trials.
- Fourteen‑time Paralympic Winter Games medallist Mark Arendz will receive an honorary degree from the University of Prince Edward Island during its 2026 convocation, which will celebrate over 1,300 graduates.
Para Cycling Highlights at World Cup Finale
At the third and final World Cup road race of the season held in Abruzzo, Italy, Canadian athletes demonstrated strong form across several classifications. Maarten Duif of Carleton Place, Ont., claimed a silver medal in the men’s handcycle 1 (H1) road race and added a bronze in the corresponding time trial, underscoring his consistency in the H1 category. Alexandre Hayward, the reigning world champion and Paralympic medallist from Quispamsis, N.B., secured silver in the men’s conventional bike (C3) time trial, while Jessica Law of Vancouver earned a podium finish in the women’s C5 road race. These results contributed to a four‑medal Canadian outing, showcasing the depth of talent within the national Para cycling program and setting a positive tone for the upcoming international calendar.
Upcoming Canadian Para Cycling Calendar
Looking ahead, Canadian Para cyclists have a packed schedule that promises further opportunities for medals and qualification points. The Commonwealth Games in July will feature Para cycling events, providing a high‑profile multi‑sport platform for athletes to represent Canada on the world stage. Following that, the UCI Para‑cycling Road World Championships are slated for September 4‑7 in Huntsville, Alabama, where competitors will vie for world titles and crucial ranking points. In the fall, the World Track Championships will take place in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, offering a chance for track specialists to add to the nation’s medal haul. Collectively, these events form a critical pathway toward the Paralympic Games and underscore the importance of sustained performance throughout the season.
Mark Ideson Leads Junior Curling Team to Silver
Mark Ideson, who famously skipped Canada to a gold medal at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in March, transitioned from athlete to coach with notable success. Under his guidance, Canada’s mixed doubles junior curling team captured the silver medal at the World Junior Curling Championships. Ideson’s strategic acumen and calm demeanor were evident throughout the tournament, helping the squad navigate challenging ice conditions and maintain composure in high‑pressure situations. His leadership not only contributed to the team’s strong showing but also reinforced the mentorship pathway that connects elite Paralympic athletes with the next generation of curlers.
Brooklyn Ideson’s Reflection and Team Performance
Brooklyn Ideson, Mark’s daughter and a key member of the junior curling pair, delivered a heartfelt reflection after the final loss to Japan. She noted, “If there’s one thing my dad has taught me throughout his curling journey it’s that you wear your medal with pride no matter the colour.” The duo of Brooklyn Ideson and Owen Henry, representing Ilderton, Ont., displayed remarkable resilience, winning all eight of their pool‑play games and two playoff matches without defeat. Their only setback came in the championship final, where they fell 6‑5 to the Japanese team. Despite the narrow loss, the athletes’ undefeated run leading up to the final highlighted their skill, teamwork, and the effective coaching they received from Mark Ideson.
Leanne Taylor Returns to Para Triathlon
Paralympic bronze medallist Leanne Taylor of Winnipeg is set to make her competitive return at the World Para Triathlon Series stop in Yokohoma, Japan on May 16. After taking the 2025 season off for maternity leave, Taylor resumes training with the goal of building toward the 2026 Paralympic Games. Her resume already boasts an impressive array of achievements: a bronze medal from the Paris 2024 Paralympics, eleven international medals—including three victories—and a current world ranking of 11th. Taylor’s participation in the Japanese event will serve as an important benchmark for her form and readiness, and her presence underscores Canada’s continued strength in Para triathlon on the global circuit.
Canadian Paracanoe Squad Prepares for World Cup
The Canadian Paracanoe team is also active internationally, with four athletes slated to compete at the second World Cup stop of the season in Brandenburg, Germany. The squad is led by Paralympic silver medallist Brianna Hennessy of Ottawa, alongside two‑time Paralympians Erica Scarff (Mississauga, Ont.) and Mathieu St‑Pierre (Shawinigan, Que.), and Gabe Ferron‑Bouius of Ottawa. Ian Mortimer, Chief Technical Officer of Canoe Kayak Canada, praised the athletes, stating, “The depth of performance we witnessed at the national team trials and the momentum of our Paracanoe team from last season is a strong signal of where this program is headed.” He added that the athletes have earned their nominations through hard work and are expected to represent Canada with pride on the international stage. This outing will provide valuable racing experience and help fine‑tune preparations for forthcoming World Cup events and championship competitions later in the year.
Mark Arendz Honoured with Honorary Degree
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to sport and the Paralympic movement, fourteen‑time Paralympic Winter Games medallist Mark Arendz will be among four individuals receiving an honorary degree from the University of Prince Edward Island during its 2026 convocation ceremonies. The university will celebrate over 1,300 graduates from the Class of 2026, and Arendz’s accolade highlights his sustained excellence across multiple Winter Games, as well as his role as an ambassador for Para sport in Canada. The honour serves as both a testament to his personal achievements and an inspiration for current and future student‑athletes striving to balance academic pursuits with elite athletic ambitions.