Virtus Ambassador, Neel Yadav Shines At The Inclusive Asian Road Cycling Championship

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The thirteenth edition of the Inclusive Asian Road Cycling Championship took place in Phitsanulok-Phichit, Thailand, from February 7-16, 2025, marking a groundbreaking moment for para cycling in Asia. Athletes from across the continent competed in various events, with the championship setting a new benchmark for inclusivity in the sport.

One of the standout moments of the event was Virtus Ambassador Neel Yadav, who was the solo flagbearer for athletes with an intellectual impairment to compete in this championship. Neel competed in the Individual Time Trial, showcasing incredible dedication and talent.

Neel Yadav with John Pearce, Virtus Sport and Competition Manager and Aaron Benjamin, Head of Delegation from India and Virtus governing board member (left photo) before his race, and Neel Yadav with Aaron Benjamin on the podium after the race (right photo). Photo Credit: Sivus India

After his race, Neel expressed his joy and pride in his performance,

“I am very happy with my performance. I have trained very hard for this competition, and I am pleased with the results.”

 Praising Neel’s efforts, Aaron Benjamin, Head of the Indian delegation and Virtus governing board member, said,

“The journey has begun! Neel Yadav has started the race for more cyclists with an intellectual impairment to join him to the finish. An opportunity to prove Sports is beyond impairment!”

The competition not only provided a platform for elite competition but also created new opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments to gain exposure.

Speaking about the impact of this milestone event, Virtus Sport and Competition manager John Pearce shared:

“The competition was very well organised, and it was a pleasure to witness the commitment to inclusion firsthand in Thailand. It was a wonderful opportunity for our athletes to gain exposure, make new connections, and further develop competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment. We look forward to working closely with the Asian Cycling Confederation and other organisations to integrate the inclusion of II athletes within the  existing competition frameworks.”

Virtus extends a huge thank you to the Asian Cycling Confederation for taking a significant step toward inclusion in competitive cycling.

As the first inclusive cycling championship in Asia, this event has paved the way for greater opportunities for para cyclists, including those with intellectual impairments. Virtus is excited to see more initiatives like this across the world in various sports, ensuring all athletes have a chance to compete at the highest level.

Stay tuned for more updates on Virtus initiatives and future events!

Winchester to Host Inaugural Virtus World Para-Dressage Championships This Year

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Virtus is excited to announce that the very first World Para-Dressage Championship is coming to Winchester, Great Britain, later this year. Building on the success of its debut at the Global Games in 2023 and the open regional championship, this landmark event is set to raise the bar for para-dressage excellence. The event will commence from July 23rd until July 25th at Sparsholt College Equestrian Centre, Winchester, UK.

The championship, hosted by Virtus in collaboration with Sparsholt College Equestrian Centre, will feature II1, II2, and II3 competition categories. With a reputation as one of the UK’s top equestrian venues, Sparsholt College offers Olympic-standard indoor and outdoor arenas and stabling for up to 66 horses, ensuring a world-class experience for both athletes and spectators.

Multiple-time World Champion in II2 competition class, Alejandro Espejo Lanzas at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Photo Credit: Detrez

Supporting this groundbreaking event, Uta Rindfleisch, Virtus Sports Director, encourages riders with an intellectual impairment to compete at this event.

“The Virtus Equestrian Committee is committed to expanding live competition opportunities leading up to the Global Games 2027 in Cairo, Egypt. Alongside our established video competitions, we had our first Open Regional Games last year which was a grand success. These events demonstrate our dedication to developing para-dressage on a global scale. We are delighted to partner with Sparsholt College for the second consecutive time as the host venue.

For more details, visit the Virtus events page and download the official entry pack here.

Join us as we celebrate the incredible talent within the para-dressage community and mark a historic moment in Virtus equestrian sport!

Virtus Launches 2025 Para-Dressage & World Indoor Rowing Video Competitions

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Virtus is delighted to announce the launch of two exciting online events that will bring together the world’s best athletes with an intellectual impairment, allowing them to compete at the highest level from their home environments.

The two online competitions Virtus is launching this month are: Round 1 of the tenth edition of the Para Dressage Video Competition and the second edition of the Virtus World Indoor Rowing Video Competition!

These events provide a unique opportunity for athletes to compete at an elite level from their home environments, breaking barriers and showcasing their talent on an international stage. Both the competition are open for all three Virtus competition classes: II1, II2 and II3.

2025 Para-Dressage Video Competition

 

Rider competing at the para-dressage competition at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Photo Credit: GG2023

 

The competition officially began on February 1st and will continue until February 28th. This video-based event gathers the world’s top para-dressage riders with intellectual impairments, allowing them to compete at a World Championship level from their own environment. This innovative competition format has been providing an exciting and accessible pathway to elite competition. All video recording and competition rules from previous editions remain unchanged.

While the Para-Dressage competition is a prestigious event in its own right, participation in this video competition is essential for riders aiming to compete in the inaugural Virtus World Para-Dressage Championship, set to take place later this year. As part of the qualification process for the 2025 Virtus World Championships, submitting a video entry is strongly recommended. Athletes who have submitted an eligibility application but are not yet listed on the Master List may still enter for scoring purposes only. These scores may later be considered for qualification, pending successful eligibility approval.

For competition rules in detail, information pack and other relevant information, visit the Virtus events calendar.

Virtus World Indoor Rowing Video Competition

 

Korean rower competing in Indoor Rowing at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Photo Credit: Luc Percival

Back for its second edition, the Virtus World Indoor Rowing Video Competition is a global challenge where athletes row their best 1000m and compete virtually against top rowers worldwide!

The competition will kick off on 10th February and run until 28 February. To be able to compete in this competition, athletes must hold a minimum of Virtus national eligibility and a valid competition license (check with your Virtus member organisation). The competition must be completed using a Concept2 Rowing Machine (Model C, D, E, or Dynamic).

As the judges will rely completely on the video sent by the athletes to analyse the results, Virtus has set some strict guidelines for the video recording. The athlete and the entire rowing erg must be in full view for the entire row, and the recorder must zoom in on the monitor display after the row is over in the same video. Separate videos or photos showing the result will not be accepted.

For an information pack and other relevant information, visit the Virtus Calendar.

Anna McBride and Archie Graham Claimed AO25 Intellectual Disability Championships Title At Melbourne

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The AO25 Intellectual Disability Championships took center stage at Melbourne Park, Australia, from January 24 to January 26, 2025. Held alongside the prestigious Australian Open, this tournament showcased the skills and determination of athletes with intellectual impairments, bringing together sixteen elite players from across the globe for an unforgettable competition.

This year marked the third annual Intellectual Disability Championships and Deaf Championships, organized in partnership with Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairments. The event continues to champion inclusivity and excellence in sports, providing a platform for these extraordinary athletes to shine.

The competition delivered breathtaking performances and unforgettable matches in both the men’s and women’s singles events.

Women’s Singles and Doubles

Anna McBride in action (L) and Anna McBride posing with Eva Blanc with her AO25 Intellectual Disability Championships Women’s trophy. Photo Credit: Michael Thompson/SIA

In the women’s singles final, Anna McBride (GBR) proved her dominance with a resounding victory over Eva Blanc (FRA), winning the gold medal in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. McBride’s relentless energy and strategic gameplay left her opponent with little room to manoeuvre, cementing her place as the champion.

The bronze medal match saw an all-Australian showdown as Andriana Petrakis triumphed over her compatriot Breana Tunny in a decisive 6-3, 6-1 victory. Petrakis showcased remarkable consistency and composure, delivering a stellar performance in front of her home crowd.

(L-R) Women’s Doubles winners: Kelly Wren, Anna McBride, Eva Blanc and Hanna Lavreysen.Photo Credit: Michael Thompson/SIA

The women’s doubles tournament delivered thrilling moments and standout teamwork. The dynamic duo of Eva Blanc (FRA) and Hanne Lavreysen (BEL) showcased their unbeatable synergy, winning all three matches to claim the doubles title.

Meanwhile, Anna McBride (GBR) and Kelly Wren (AUS) secured the second spot after winning two of their three matches, demonstrating great camaraderie on the court. The Australian pair of Andriana Petrakis and Breana Tunny rounded out the podium with third place after putting up a spirited effort in their matches.

Men’s Singles and Doubles

Fabrice Higgins and Archie Graham posing  (L) and Anna McBride posing with Eva Blanc with her AO25 Intellectual Disability Championships Women’s trophy. Photo Credit: Michael Thompson/SIA

In the men’s singles final, Virtus World rank no. 1 and Australia’s defending champion Archie Graham lived up to the expectations and retained his title with a commanding performance. He defeated Fabrice Higgins (GBR) in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0, displaying his trademark power and precision to secure another championship win.

The bronze medal match was equally thrilling, as Benjamin Coulier (FRA) defeated Aidan Moody (GBR) with an impressive 6-4, 6-0 victory. Coulier’s consistent baseline game and tactical brilliance earned him a well-deserved spot on the podium.

(L-R) Men’s Doubles winners: Aidan Moody, Oliver Beadle, Fabrice Higgins and Archie Graham posing with their trophies. Photo Credit: Michael Thompson/SIA

In the men’s doubles, the formidable pairing of Archie Graham (AUS) and Fabrice Higgins (GBR) proved unstoppable, clinching the doubles title by winning all three matches. Their blend of precision and power was unmatched throughout the tournament.

The British duo of Oliver Beadle and Aidan Moody finished in second place, securing two wins out of three matches with their strong teamwork and resilience. The pairing of Benjamin Coulier (FRA) and Damian Philips (AUS) claimed the third spot, showcasing competitive spirit and skill.

The AO25 Intellectual Disability Championships continue to redefine what is possible in the world of sports. Athletes like Anna McBride, Archie Graham, and their fellow competitors remind us of the incredible potential of perseverance and passion.

Sport Inclusion Australia and Tennis Australia deserve commendation for their unwavering commitment to creating inclusive opportunities and celebrating the achievements of these exceptional athletes. As the championships conclude, the stories of triumph and sportsmanship will resonate far beyond Melbourne Park, inspiring millions around the world.

IPC Internship Opportunity

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The International Paralympic Committee are seeking to appoint two Paralympians to their Athlete Internship Programme, a new 12-month programme designed to provide retired Paralympic athletes with experience within the sport management sector and Paralympic Movement.

The successful candidates will gain hands-on experience, practical skills, and mentorship tailored
to their selected role.

For further information, visit the IPC website.

Virtus Cycling World Series Kicks Off a Thrilling Competition Year

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The 2025 AusCycling Road National Championships, sanctioned by Virtus, have set the tone for an exciting year in cycling and the Virtus competition calendar for 2025. The event kicked off on 8th January and concluded on 12th January in Perth, Australia. Riders took three challenging new courses in Perth’s inner-city Kings Park as the centrepiece for Australia’s most prestigious cycling race.

The curtain rose on the first edition in Perth with the Time Trial, where riders went head-to-head against the clock in a thrilling contest. The fast-flowing circuit around Bold Park, spanning the Town of Cambridge and the City of Nedlands, featured just enough climbing to keep the race interesting and challenging. Each anti-clockwise lap took the riders through the scenic Bold Park, passing near City Beach, before powering along the highway to complete the 9.8-kilometre loop.

With impressive performances in both the individual time trial and the road race, athletes with intellectual impairment from Australia and France dominated the podiums, showcasing their incredible talent and determination.

Winners from Men’s II1 individual time trial (L) and Men’s II2 individual time trial (R). Photo Credit: AusCycling

Cameron Marshall from Victoria’s Hawthorn CC claimed first place in the II1 Men’s individual time trial, finishing the 19.2 km course in 28:24.77. Josue Hodebourg Rinna from France secured second place with a time of 29:05.28, while Kealy Kitkevics from Australia’s Gold Coast CC took third, finishing in 30:33.42.

In the II2 Men’s category, Ange Richiero from France dominated the time trial, coming in first with a time of 34:53.40, followed by fellow Frenchman Vincent Pomorski, who finished second in 36:53.40.

Winners from Men’s II1 road race (L) and Men’s II2 road race (R). Photo Credit: AusCycling

The road race track was formed by the 13.6-kilometre circuit that twisted and turned through King’s Park, offering a challenging route for the riders. The peloton raced alongside the stunning waterfront of the Swan River before heading straight into Perth’s CBD. A key highlight of the course was the punchy climb up William Street and Malcolm Street, which peaked just 400 metres before the final straight. These late-stage climbs, combined with the uphill drag within King’s Park, created a dynamic and demanding race. The diverse terrain ensured that the competition was open to a wide range of riders, making for an unpredictable and thrilling event.

In the II1 Men’s road race, Josue Hodebourg Rinna of France won the 41 km race with a time of 1:04:23. Cameron Marshall closely followed in second place, just 21 seconds behind, while Kealy Kitkevics secured third place.

In the II2 Men’s category, Vincent Pomorski reversed the time trial outcome by winning the road race in 1:17:20, with Ange Richiero finishing 21 seconds behind to take second place.

These thrilling performances set the stage for what promises to be an exceptional year in cycling, with more exciting events on the horizon.

Full results can be accessed from here.

The logo of the World Anti-Doping Agency

2025 Prohibited list now in force

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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wishes to remind stakeholders that the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) and the 2025 Monitoring Program enter into force on 1st January 2025.

The List designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.

Major modifications for 2025 

As outlined in the 2025 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, the major modifications for 2025 include the following:

  • Further examples were added to the following substance classes to help athletes and their entourage better identify prohibited substances:
    • S0. Non-approved substances,
    • S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators,
    • S5. Diuretics and masking agents, and
    • S6. Stimulants.
  • The dosing intervals of formoterol have been changed, though the maximum daily delivered dose remains the same.
  • Donation of blood and blood components including by apheresis are no longer prohibited if performed in an accredited collection center.
  • Hydrafinil is now classified as a non-specified stimulant.
  • It is clarified that guanfacine is not a prohibited substance.
  • Beta-blockers are no longer prohibited in any skiing and snowboarding disciplines.

For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must be determined that it meets at least two of the following three criteria:

  1. It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance
  2. It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes
  3. It violates the spirit of sport

Ultimately, athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their body and prohibited methods found to have been used. Members of an athlete’s entourage are also liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if determined to be complicit. Consequently, if there is any doubt as to the status of a substance or method, it is important that they contact their respective Anti-Doping Organizations (International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization) for advice.

The Therapeutic Use Exemption Program 

It should be noted that athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to determine whether they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). The TUE Program is a rigorous and necessary part of elite sport and has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians, and anti-doping stakeholders.

The 2025 Prohibited List, the 2025 Summary of Modifications and Explanatory Notes, and the 2025 Monitoring Program are available for download on WADA’s website in English, French, and Spanish.

Visit the Virtus Anti-Doping pages

Updated tennis rankings

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We are pleased to announce the final update of the Virtus tennis rankings for 2024. Congratulations and thankyou to all players who have supported Virtus tennis this year and we look forward to seeing you on court again in 2025.

Results of Online Dressage Competition (R3) published

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We are pleased to announce the results of the 3rd round of the Online Dressage competition, with a record 58 entries.

A full report will follow and all results can be found here.

 

Celebrating Virtus volunteers globally

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5th December marks International Volunteer Day – a global event to celebrate the contribution volunteers make to community life all around the world.
Virtus itself could not exist without its passionate and committed global voluntary workforce where more than 100 people give their time on a weekly and often daily basis to deliver our mission: To drive the development of elite sport worldwide for athletes with an intellectual impairment
Many thousands more give their time to our member organisations, to events and competitions, or to supporting athletes through local sports clubs.
Whatever your involvement, Virtus would like to thank you.
Across the Virtus family, more than 500,000 athletes have the opportunity to take part and excel in sport each year, and this is only possible because of your efforts and contribution.