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British Cycling launches drive to find new female Paralympic champions

British Cycling’s world-leading GB Para-cycling team has today launched a talent identification drive to find new female Paralympic champions for the Rio 2016 and Toyko 2020 Paralympic Games.

 The drive, aimed at filling the potential medal gaps that currently exist among the current female para-cycling squad, is being backed by Paralympic medallist, Karen Darke.

UK-passport holding sporty women and girls with a desire to be the world’s best are being invited to contact British Cycling. Talent Assessment events will take place in October.

British Cycling is looking for women across all para-cycling classifications – people with a limb impairment, visual impairment or those who have spinal injuries. Women with Cerebral Palsy are also encouraged to give cycling a try.

London 2012 Paralympic silver medallist, Karen Darke, said:

"There really is no limit to what can be done and I’d advise all sporty women and girls out there to dream big. There is no better feeling than being on a podium at a Paralympic Games and feeling an immense sense of pride and achievement at being crowned the world’s best. With a commitment and drive to succeed at the highest level, a structured programme and a great team behind you, there really is no limit to what can be done and I’d advise all sporty women and girls out there to dream big. There is nothing to lose in applying to British Cycling and so, so much to be gained.”

 

British Cycling’s Paralympic Talent and Development Manager, Harriet Gordon, said:

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for women and girls with an impairment to see if they’ve got what it takes to be part of a Gold medal winning programme for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. We’re the best para-cycling nation in the world and I’d strongly recommend that sporty women get in touch. We’re especially keen to hear from women who competed in sport before an accident and might be ready to give it another shot. Similarly, friends or family members of women with potential are invited to get in touch to put them forward. In just three years time in Rio it could just turn out to be the best decision they’ve ever made.”

 

Seventeen year old Sophie Thornhill from Stockport is a visually impaired cyclist who joined the Paralympic Development Programme in May 2013. She is piloted by Megan Boyd who she met through her local cycling club. Thornhill said:

“I was born with Oculocutaneous albinism which basically means I’ve got about 10% of my sight. My ultimate goal is to compete at the Paralympics in Rio, but I’d also like to go to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year. This year, my target is the National Track Championships. I’d like to get a couple of National titles.”

 

The GB Para-cycling team is looking for women and girls who meet the following criteria:

  • Aged 16+An existing UK Passport holder (or being eligible for one)
  • A sporty background (although not necessarily at national level)
  • The team is looking for women and girls across all para-cyling classifications including those who are visually impaired, lower limb amputees (single or double, above or below knee), cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, minor impairments (such as mild impairment to one arm, moderate impairment to one leg, loss of part of the arm).
  • A desire and determination to be the world’s best
  • Ability to commit to the programme

Women and girls who meet the criteria should email the GB Para-Cycling team with their name, phone number, and a brief description of their impairment. The GB Para-cycling Team will then gather further information and those who fit the bill will be invited to a Talent Assessment event. No prior experience of riding on a velodrome track is necessary.

If you have been inspired to get on a bike- click here to find more information.

 

EFDS report finds disabled women less active than men

On 9 September, EFDS released a report which highlighted that disabled women are much less likely to be involved in sport and physical activity than disabled men. The study undertaken on disabled people’s lifestyles and their participation in physical activity, also recorded cycling as the third most popular activity. Findings give an insight into how disabled women view sport and physical activity:

  • Disabled women are significantly less likely to have sport or physical activity related hobbies than disabled men.
  • Only 42% of disabled women see themselves as sporty compared to 60% of disabled men.
  • 73% of disabled women enjoyed the last time they played sport compared to 84% of disabled men.
  • 39% of disabled women do not take part in sport or physical activity because of a lack of opportunities.

Perhaps you are a casual cyclist and just enjoy keeping fit on your bike. Have you been on a Sky Ride before? There are lots of opportunities to take part around the country.