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British Cycling has announced the opening of two HSBC UK Disability Hubs in London, improving access to cycling for disabled people.
In 2016 the existing network of six hubs welcomed over 1,000 riders to traffic free locations across the country; the new monthly sessions at Herne Hill Velodrome and Lee Valley VeloPark will help to provide more accessible coaching at inspiring cycle sport sites in the capital.
Paralympic gold medalist Megan Giglia commented: “British Cycling opening a couple of new disability hubs in the spring is a really exciting opportunity because it is promoting disability sport and cycling. I coach at them and it’s fantastic that it’s growing all the time and it allows people that haven’t had the opportunity to socialise or compete to find a new sport and find some potential in themselves.”
Disability hub sessions are organised and delivered by British Cycling coaches at dedicated cycling facilities, offering support for people with disabilities to improve their fitness, technique and confidence. Suitable for those just starting out in the sport or rehabilitating from an injury through to athletes looking to compete, coached activities are tailored to riders’ aims and requirements.
With adapted equipment such as handcycles, tandems, trikes and bikes to support a range of impairments, interested riders do not need to bring their own bicycle. Instead, the sessions will provide an opportunity for individuals to try cycling in its many forms and push themselves to attain new goals in the company of other motivated individuals.
Great Britain Cycling Team para-cycling performance pathway manager John Lenton added: “The opening of these disability hubs in London is a great addition to the brilliant work already being done at the other hub locations across the country.
“The performances of riders like Megan and the Great Britain Cycling Team at the Paralympics and world championships were fantastic and it’s absolutely vital that anyone inspired by their performances who would like to give the sport a try has the opportunity to do so.”
The sessions kick off at Herne Hill Velodrome on Sunday 2 April, with entries now open for the two-hour session at a cost of just £5.
The sessions at Lee Valley VeloPark begin on Sunday 21 May.
