Renaissance man Alex Zanardi does it again!

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Alex Zanardi's invincible spirit and courage carried him to his 12th paracycling title on Friday, the 52-year-old former F1 driver winning the time trial event at the UCI Paracycling Road World Championships at Emmen in the Netherlands.

We ran out long ago of superlatives to describe this real-life Ironman and great champion who transcended his limitations in the years following the horrific crash at the Lausitzring in 2001 in which he lost both legs.

Zanardi took up handcycling in 2007 and never looked back, collecting against all odds - except his own - world titles and gold medals in the London and Rio de Janeiro Paralympics.

Alex is living proof that our destiny in life is not defined by our physical strength, endurance or mastery. But by the potency of our spirit.

Alex Zanardi - Renaissance man extraordinaire!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.