Canadian Para cyclist Charles Moreau using learnings, pace to conquer in Paralympic year

Charles Moreau is hoping he got all mistakes and misfortunes out of his system in 2023.

The 41-year-old Canadian Para cyclist, a two-time bronze medallist in Rio 2016 and a Paris 2024 hopeful, collected some promising results ahead of the Paralympic year.

But there were some mixed feelings, as his fourth-place finish in the time trial at the 2023 world championships in Scotland in August didn't come without a fair share of learnings.

"It's the kind of thing that only happens once in a career," Moreau said to CBC Sports from his home in Victoriaville, Que. "I'm never going to make that mistake again."

It was the first time the cycling governing body combined able-bodied and Para cycling events in the same world championships, attracting much higher attendants than what Moreau was used to.

"We couldn't see far ahead of us, and toward the end sometimes you don't think as clearly as at the beginning of the race.

"It was a little bit biter, but this is all on me. I stopped for probably five seconds, until I realized, 'Oh, gee, that was not the finish, Charles'".

WATCH l Newborn son helped motivate Moreau to Paralympic medal:

Moreau started pushing again, ending up 0.08 seconds shy of a podium finish in the men's elite handbike 3 time trial event.

"I definitely would not have finished first, but I would probably have finished second or third... It was disappointing, but it looks promising for next year. My numbers are really good and we are ahead of schedule."

Racing in Baie-Comeau, Que., in the 2022 Para cycling worlds, Moreau was second in the same event.

In 2023, he also finished 22nd in the men's elite handbike 3 road race.

WATCH l 2-time Paralympic medallist Moreau aims to punch ticket to Paris Games:

The unusual