AFTER the incredible success Team GB’s cycling team enjoyed at the London Olympics, their Paralympic counterparts – including Chester’s Rik Waddon – have some act to follow.
Waddon will be hoping to continue carry of from where Sir Chris Hoy and co left off when track cycling action returns to the Velodrome this week.
The 35-year-old is already the proud owner of one Paralympic medal.
He won silver in the 1km time trial at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
In London, Waddon will race in the C3 team sprint and C1-3 1km time trial.
“You have to remember you are there to do a job,” he said. “You are public property, paid out of the Lottery and UK Sport. It’s such a big showcase for the country.”
Waddon developed cerebral palsy after being knocked off his bike in a childhood road accident when he was five.
He received head injuries in a collision with a car and could not walk or speak properly for six months.
His passion for cycling came from watching the Tour de France on TV and he competed regularly in able-bodied races before switching to para-cycling in 2001.
Waddon hails from Blacon but is now based in Chorley, where he lives with his wife Natalie Waddon, a Paralympic swimmer for the GB team.
“We both understand the training and the hours,” he said. “I’ve had girlfriends in the past who haven’t understood the level of commitment and it’s been quite difficult.”
The couple decided some time ago that they would not attend yesterday’s opening ceremony.
Waddon said: “You don't realise when you’re watching the opening ceremony, but many of those athletes who take part are on their feet for five-and-a-half hours.
“If you’re sat watching it and you see your competitors on their feet, you think: ‘Great! I’ve got an advantage now!’”
