Search for Paralympic Rider Begins

Following the retirement of the reigning Paralympic champion Sophie Thornhill last week, tandem pilot Helen Scott has today announced that the Great Britain Cycling Team is on the hunt for a tandem ‘stoker’ (the blind or visually impaired rider at the back of the tandem) to continue their legacy of success.

Search for Paralympic Rider Begins

Scott said: “Sophie and I enjoyed a successful partnership spanning over six years and winning eight world titles together as well as the Paralympic gold medal, and we made such a strong team. Sophie has made the decision to further her education which I completely respect and I wish her all the best.

“This is the start of a new chapter in my career, and I am still as driven as ever to reach that top step of the podium in Tokyo and beyond. I want to encourage any blind or visually impaired females who can match my drive and passion for sporting success to put in an application.

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“Tandem racing is a real team effort and we are so well-supported within the Great Britain Cycling Team. We receive the very best coaching, track and gym time, access to nutritionists, physios and psychs, just to give some examples of the support we receive. But what I enjoy most is that I get to train alongside a group of really good friends and teammates each day, some of whom are Olympic and Paralympic champions, which is hugely inspiring.

“I’m really passionate about tandem racing, and I remain highly driven to further my successes on the tandem, and to further support the development of para-cycling. For me, the journey is by no means over, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and a new tandem partner.”

Cycling experience is not necessarily required, but you do need to hold a British passport and be at least 18 years old by 31st December 2021. If this opportunity is of interest to you, or someone you know, then please contact John Lenton, our Para-Cycling Pathway Manager, on johnlenton@britishcycling.org.uk