Search
shop

Alison Patrick qualifies for Track Cycling World Champs

From one World Championship to another - we chat to Paralympic Silver medallist Alison Patrick about her selection to the British Para-Cycling team
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

From triathlon to the velodrome…

Olympic Silver medallists secure GB Track World’s selection

In September, Alison Patrick and Hazel Macleod were winning Paralympic Games Silver medals alongside Copacabana Beach in Rio in the PT5 (visually impaired) category. Last weekend they were racing again – but not together (!) – at the HSBC UK National Track Cycling Championships in Manchester.

The result? They will both – with their respective partners (Alison guided by Helen Scott MBE, Hazel guiding Lora Fachie MBE) – be heading off to Los Angeles at the beginning of March, selected for the Great Britain team at the Para-Cycling Track World Championships.

I spoke to Alison Patrick about her experience “on the boards”, and find out how different it was to her typical triathlon routine.

“It’s the fastest feeling I’ve ever had on a tandem”

Have you done track riding before, and if not, how did the idea of doing this come about?

The whole para squad used the veledrome last year as part of winter training, but we did long efforts replicating Rio course. It came about as I had the idea of qualifying for Commonwealths, as there are not many opportunities to represent Scotland.

Most of the track events are short/fast – was that difficult given your triathlon/endurance background?

It is very different but it is helping me learn new skills like pedalling efficiently. We have only done a few sessions so I’m still learning and my triathlon training hasn’t changed… so not sure I’ll be converted to a sprinter in the next few weeks!

You have to have so much trust in your guide/pilot – was it easy to work with a new partner?

Helen (Scott) is an experienced pilot – from the moment we pushed off the railings together I felt complete confidence in her. Hazel, my guide, is also going through the processs too and I think it will help us when we come back together. [Ed. Hazel Macleod also qualified for the World Championship team as pilot to Lora Fachie].

You’ve now qualified for the World Champs in Los Angeles – which event(s) will you be doing?

I’m not sure on events yet but the Match Sprint and Kilo are the Commonwealth events.

How would you compare the sensation of cycling outside and then on a velodrome, from a VI perspective? I found my first track cycling experience pretty scary… and I can see!!!

The feeling of coming in to do a flying 200 on track is soooo much fun. It’s the fastest feeling I’ve ever had on a tandem.

Great Britain Para-Cycling Track World Championships Team 2017

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Hayden Wilde finish line T100 London 2025
Hayden Wilde’s ‘DIABOLICAL’ race schedule as he chases both T100 and WTCS titles
Vincent Luis San Francisco 49ers tri suit 2025
Triathlon great Vincent Luis plotting T100 comeback after injury setback
Alistair Brownlee Olympics Triathlon London 2012 Podium Gold
It’s exam results time – and Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee nails the careers advice
Jess Learmonth T100 Vancouver joy 2025
Jess Learmonth is still daring to dream after childbirth and injury comebacks
Marten Van Riel finish line T100 Dubai 2024 photo credit PTO / T100
Van Riel faces World Championship fitness battle after revealing injury and mental health concerns
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...