Teen cyclist is a step closer to his dream
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A YOUNG Ross-shire paracyclist is preparing to don a GB top after being selected to take part in the paracycling road world championships in Italy this summer.
Fin Graham, of Strathpeffer, has been working steadfastly in a bid to represent his country at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
The ambitious 18-year-old now appears a step closer, having been selected by British Cycling, the sport’s governing body, to race at the world championships in Maniago.
The announcement was a double celebration as it came after he successfully defended his national title for his category of disability at the British Cycling championships in Rochford in southern England earlier this month.
Fin, who lives with his parents Drew and Dee and brother Rory, was born with two club feet and has no calf muscle on his right leg.
But he has been determined not to let his disability get in the way of his passion for cycling and has caught the attention of national coaches.
He has also battled against a diagnosis last year of lupus – a disease which causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue in many parts of the body.
Such was the severity of his condition, including the impact on his kidneys and lungs, that his family wondered whether he would be able to return to competitive cycling. However as soon as he was able, he was back in the saddle.
The supermarket worker was delighted with his recent racing success followed by his selection for the GB squad for the world championships at the end of July and beginning of August.
"I really wanted to retain the national title but this year I knew I had my work cut out as I was up against my friend and main competitor Ben Watson who is a full time GB rider," he said.
"It was a great race. I felt good going into it and was able to counter any attacks and came down to a sprint where I was able to take the win.
"The news got better when British Cycling announced the world championship squad for this year with my name on it. I’m really looking forward to pulling on the GB kit for the first time.
"The hard work is paying off and I am hoping this is a stepping stone towards becoming a full-time GB rider. I’m really happy at being given this opportunity, being only 18 years old."
He said the last eight months had only been possible thanks to the generosity of Moray Estates in paying for all his training and racing travel costs.
He also thanked Tesco Dingwall which had been flexible with his shifts, allowing him to travel to races.
Last year’s Strathpuffer 24-hour endurance event raised £1000 to be divided between Fin and the charity Lupus UK.
