Archie Atkinson

Started: He first tried track cycling at age 10. He took up Para cycling in 2021. (britishcycling.org.uk, 22 Dec 2023) Reason: "I was out riding in 2021 with my dad and I bumped into [British Para cyclist] Ben Watson. When I got home, I followed him on Instagram and we started messaging. Having never done a power test before, I completed two testing days and found out that I had been accepted onto the foundation pathway. Then after 11 months and 28 days, I was moved up to the world class performance programme. Cycling has been my way of escaping from reality, whether that's on the boards of the velodrome, the hills of Spain and the Peak District, or the muddy fields on my cross or mountain bike - I just absolutely love it." (britishcycling.org.uk, 22 Dec 2023) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (skysports.com, 21 Aug 2024) Additional Info: LOSS OF A FRIEND In July 2023 his friend Magnus White, a US junior national cyclist, was killed at age 17 after being struck by a vehicle during a training ride. Atkinson won gold in the C4 scratch race at the 2023 World Championships in Scotland a week after White passed away. "I woke up and I haven't felt the same since. There was something about that day [winning world championship gold] that felt special. He was behind me. He was pushing me. I've never felt that good on the bike. I won it exactly seven days after he passed to the hour. It's hard-hitting knowing that but it's also quite special. It proves he was there. He was such an amazing kid you want to make sure he never gets forgotten about. This is part of the reason I'm doing it, to make him proud and keep his legacy alive. I have a sticker on my frame you can see when you look down. I have '#RideForMaggie', and 'all or nothing', which is what we say. Having them underneath your shoes is a nicer feeling than not having anything. He is with you, he's got your back and he's watching over you." (skysports.com, 21 Aug 2024)