Strathpeffer cyclist ready to race in Scotland for first time in World Cup event
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STRATHPEFFER para-athlete Fin Graham is preparing for an emotional homecoming as he will compete in his first track race in Scotland.
He will race at the Track Cycling World Cup event in Glasgow tomorrow at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
It is the venue where Graham (20) trained at by making weekly journeys from Ross-shire to become a world class para-athlete.
Now the Manchester-based cyclist returns north to compete against a world-class field.
“It is the first time I have raced at the velodrome in Glasgow and will be the first para-cycling race I have done in Scotland.
“In 2016 I first made weekly trips to Glasgow from Strathpeffer to carry out my training at the velodrome.
“I used to travel down every Wednesday and I spent a few days in Glasgow to ride on the track and improve my cycling.
“That is where I have developed my training so it will be nice to go back and finally race on the track.”
Graham has made a major impact on road para-cycling during 2019.
He achieved the biggest wins of his career claiming two gold medals at the UCI Para-Cycling World Cup race in Canada.
He also became a three-time British champion.
Tomorrow is Graham’s first race in a velodrome since the Track World Championships in the Netherlands where he came close to winning medals in March.
He hopes to transfer his form on the road into the velodrome as he prepares for the 2020 World Track Championships in Canada.
“It has been a great 2019 so far for me,” said Fin.
“Winning in Canada has been the highlight for my career and nice to finish the road season in a good position. It’s given me confidence going into the track season.
“As it is the first race of the season it will be a good gauge to see where everyone is at. It will also be a good gauge to see where I am at as well with the world championships in January.
“Now is the time to put down the foundations to get ready for Canada.”
He added: “Because it is my first track race since March, it would be nice to get near the times I finished last year.
“But I have to work on that and look to hit my best form in January. I am hoping for a decent result in Glasgow, but the main part for me on Friday is to just enjoy it.”
