Gaza Sunbirds fly Palestinian flag at Para Cycling Worlds despite fear of news from home

Palestine team members were checking anxiously for news from home even while they were competing at the Para Cycling Road World Championships. The two riders were part of the Gaza Sunbirds, a para cycling team established for Gaza residents who lost their limbs in conflicts with Israel. Mohammed Asfour nearly pulled out of Friday’s time trial in Ronse, Belgium after being told his brother had just been killed. Frantic calls established the news wasn’t true. Team co-founder Alaa al-Dali also fears the worst every day having already lost family members in the almost 23-month war. Al-Dali and Asfour are based in Belgium after evacuating from Gaza in April of last year. They keep racing to inspire adults and children who have lost their limbs back home.