Alessandro Zanardi wins Venice marathon

RichardsF1    Former F1 Figures, News, WTCC     Alessandro Zanardi

Not sure how I missed this amazing news story…!

Last Sunday, former F1 driver Alessandro Zanardi put in another extraordinary performance, winning the “Diversely able” category at the Venice Marathon.

This was the first victory the World Touring Car Championship BMW driver claimed since he started competing with handbikes.

Zanardi lost both legs in a horrific accident in a CART race at the Lausitzring, Germany in 2001.

“It was a great day for the ‘cyclist’ who is in me! I am extremely proud of this victory. First of all because, together with the friends of the Venice Marathon, we made good things for charities. And also because I set a new record for this race, covering the 42.196 km in 1h13:56. I actually reached the halfway point in less than 34 minutes, at the average speed of 39 kmh, which was quite an outstanding pace,” Zanardi said.

Zanardi has declared it his aim to qualify for the 2012 London Paralympics, and on the basis of this effort he is well on his way to achieving this.

Congratulations, Alex!