Great Britain Cycling Team picked up 23 medals at the Manchester Para-cycling International at the weekend.
Scotland’s Neil Fachie didn’t disappoint, and along with teammate Pete Mitchell, were unbeaten in the sprints – adding gold medals to the pile.
Also, James Ball, on debut for Great Britain Cycling Team, piloted by Scot Craig MacLean, took home the bronze medal on an encouraging first performance in competition.
However, it wasn’t just the Scot’s riding for Great Britain who did well – Scottish Cycling Performance Development rider Fraser Kane, along with his pilot Andy Louis came 7th, and got a personal best, in the 200m Sprint.
It was the first race the pair had competed in after only a few weeks of training in the new squad – making it into the top ten puts them in a good place.
Laura Cluxton and Lyndsey Carson also competed at the weekend from the squad and have been training as part of Scottish Cycling’s iDevelop programme.
Scottish Cycling have been working with a squad of para-cyclists, forming an exciting new team with a view to the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and also to strengthen the pathway into the Great Britain Cycling Team.
David Daniell, a former Commonwealth medalist and Scottish Cycling’s Sprint and Para Coach believes the performance programme for para-cyclists is in a good position:
“We have gotten off to a great start with our para squad. We have a great set of riders who have been eager to get cracking on learning new techniques and strengthening their skills. It is an exciting place to be.”
Scottish Cycling is still looking to widen the squad, looking for both stokers and pilot’s – if you feel this is something you would be interested and eligible for please contact David at david.daniell@scottishcycling.org.uk for more information.
