Update: Bronze in Rio at the Track World Championships and 8th in the Pursuit

Update: National Champion c1-5 Flying 200

Thanks for visiting my crowd funding page.

Recent achievements: Started cycling just over a year ago, internationally medalled 5 times, represented GB at the Track worlds 2018 in Rio, in Ghent at a 6day exhibition race, National Champion and silver medalist at Track Nationals 2018 and competed in a European cup road race in Belgium.

Whilst I was a student at my secondary school Watford Boys I was a super keen rugby player, unfortunately at the age of 15 I ruptured my cruciate ligaments. At the tender age of 16 I was being operated on to repair my knee, the drill slipped during the operation and the popliteal artery was severed leaving me with something called compartment syndrome, this subsequently caused nerve damage to my right lower leg.

I was using a wheelchair for the best part of a year and left with a permanent disability. What I had lived for as a youngster (rugby) was taken away from me prematurely, something which I have never truly been able to get over. For years I would train in the gym as if I was going to be able to play rugby again but it was never going to happen. I would question why I was training and had a lack of drive with no goals to pursue.

For a brief period I started skiing with British Para Ski Team, I had a goal and the drive was back. That didn't work out for various reasons with disability classification, but one thing I did learn was that I was eligible for para cycling. After the disappointment with skiing I took a year out to travel around Canada and America.

I got back to the UK and I signed up to do my track accreditation at Stratford Olympic Velodrome. Whilst there I met a young man in the track centre, it transpired that he was a GB para coach and they were doing talent ID's. I cancelled work for the coming weekend and travelled to Manchester. The drive was back once again, this time more than it had been in the past. I went to various talent ID's from November 2016 to Feb 2017, each time my power numbers increased, my weight went down and people were beginning to take note of me.

All of this has come at a financial price, I am completely self funded with only small donations from friends and family. I am competing for a spot on the GB program against athletes that are able to train full time with access to the worlds best equipment. For me even going to do a track session costs in excess of £50 because I have to get a taxi to and from the velodrome. Being on track twice a week this soon adds up.

Finance and Sponsorship

Below is a rough breakdown of what I will require for the coming year. This is a rough estimation and doesn't account for things like crashes.

Wind tunnel / Wattshop testing (multiple sessions required on different bikes) £2000

Custom Extensions approx £600

Track race bike £5000.00

Custom Shoes that fit the needs of my right foot £2000

Made to measure skin suit £400

Training wheel for turbo trainer / direct drive turbo £600 - 1000

Regular Physio / Osteo sessions  £2,500

Track pump capable 220 psi £300

Gym Membership / Strength coach fees £3000

Maintenance budget £2,000

Bike insurance: for multiple bikes: £350

Nutrition / suplements £1,500

Travel budget * £8,000.00

I appreciate any support and investment you may be able to make,

Kindest regards,

Blaine