Report: British Cycling Track Session for Riders with a Disability

Source: British Cycling | Posted: 18th March 2009

On Saturday 14th March 2009, British Cycling organised a two-hour track session for riders with a disability, which attracted 25 riders with a range of disabilities. The session gave the riders the opportunity to ride on the track, which for many was their first time. Although there were initially some nerves on seeing the steep banked corners, coaches Elaina and Len gave the new track riders the skills and confidence to ride safely and gain the unique sense of acheive and excitement that track riding gives.

Above Right: Beijing gold medallist Anthony Kappes was there to offer inspiration and advice.

The session included four riders with visual impairments who rode on the back of one of two new Dolan tandems recently purchased by Manchester Velodrome. The plan is for the tandems to be made available to members of the public to come and ride on taster sessions, giving more opportunities to those with sight problems to come and ride the track.

Riders came from far and wide, but none further than the Scottish contingent from the Special Olympics who made the long journey from Glasgow and back and didn't get home until 4am!

Simon who is visually impaired said about the day "It was a brilliant day and I enjoyed a fabulous experience. I can not express how much the experience now means to me." Double Paralympic Gold medallist Anthony Kappes came down to support the event after a busy week training in Majorca and answered questions about racing at the pinnacle of the sport.

The riders were certainly exhausted after being given a taste of track racing when they each recording a time for a flying 200m. Despite the aching legs and sweaty brows, there were smiles all round topping off a success day at the track.