HAVING pedalled his way around the Chandler velodrome, Thorneside’s Dean Cameron is now training for the national para-cycling championships in Victoria.
Cameron, who rides on a tandem with a pilot cyclist as he is visually-impaired, said they won two out of three events – the time trial and sprint – at the Para-cycling State Championships last month.
The 48-year-old had done his first trial ride at the velodrome with pilot Peter Spencer the night before the event.
Cameron really enjoyed cycling at the velodrome.
“It is probably one of the smoothest tracks to cycle on. It is like glass,” he said.
“It looks intimidating, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Having started cycling with his wife Donna about eight years ago, Cameron had done charity rides including a cycle from Cairns to Brisbane, before progressing to competitive para-cycling less than two years ago.
He said cycling friends had encouraged him to give it a go.
Cameron said Cycling Queensland was supportive of the developing of para-cycling and helped cyclists to find opportunities.
In April, he will head to Warrnambool in Victoria with pilot Tony Williams to compete in a time trial and road race as part of the national event.
Cameron said they would be racing against some really fast cyclists, including younger competitors.
Among them could be Rio Paralympic team members.
Cameron said trust between the pilot and stoker was important in para-cycling.
“If you don’t trust someone you don’t want to go fast with them.”
Cameron said anyone wanted to give para-cycling a go could contact the para-cycling committee through Cycling Queensland or via the Para Cycling Qld Facebook page.
