Alexandre Hayward had a strong sense of accomplishment while cycling through the cobblestone streets of Ronse, Belgium. Confident in his form and fitness, the 28-year-old from Quispamsis was optimistic about his chances of success at the international competition on Aug. 29, despite battling a sore back and a restless night before the event.
Hayward’s intuition proved right as he clinched the gold medal in the men’s C3 Para cycling world championships time trial. Reflecting on his victory, he described the experience as “extremely cool” and struggled to put his emotions into words.
Completing the 23.2-kilometer time trial in just 30 minutes and six seconds, Hayward’s journey to this achievement began three years ago when he took up Para cycling during the COVID-19 lockdown. This marked a turning point for him, as the sport allowed him to compete without needing extensive modifications due to his injury.
Despite facing challenges resulting from his spinal cord injury, Hayward’s resilience and dedication led him to success. After winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, he decided to return to New Brunswick, fulfilling his dream of purchasing a house and finding a job as a mechanical engineer at a local construction company.
Looking ahead to the upcoming race season in spring 2026, Hayward plans to participate in local events and settle back in Quispamsis. As he focuses on achieving work-life balance and stability, he humorously mentioned deciding on the color to paint his kitchen as a current priority.
