Visually impaired teen seeks tandem pilot to take career to next level

Could you help a partially sighted 17-year-old cyclist from Warwickshire achieve his dream of racing at the top level?

Joe Widdowson from Stoke Golding, who studies at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College in Nuneaton, is looking for a tandem pilot to help him take the next step in his cycling career, reports Nuneaton News.

"Cycling is such a big part of his life," his father, Alan, told the newspaper. "He has been with the same chap for about two years but we are now looking for more people to train with him so that we can sort out the calendars in preparation for the start of the season next year."

In 2012, age 14, Joe took part in para-cycling trials and rode at the Manchester Velodrome in April of that year as part of a development squad comprising six pairs of tandem riders.

The following month, at the Sainsbury’s UK School Games at London’s Olympic Park, he and his pilot Ryan Whatmough raced in six events, and took six gold medals – a performance that earned him an invitation to Clarence House during the Olympic Games to meet Prince Harry.

"They had a fantastic time, my wife more so I think," his father said. "Prince Harry was great, he had no airs or graces and genuinely wanted to hear about what Joe has done."

Last year Joe and pilot Pete Draper won the National Series in the VI Tandem category and were presented with a certificate to recognise their achievement at a British Cycling awards evening in March this year.

Joe’s father said: "Riding a tandem is not easy. We have had a chap from Nuneaton try and pilot with him, but it didn't work out.

“We would appeal for any cyclists who think they might be able to help to get in touch."

He can be reached on 01455 212 053 or via email at alan.widdowson [at] rciwash.net