Fast Lane

Crystal Lane is striving to cycle for Great Britain at the Paralympic Games in London, and this week she was confirmed as the special guest for the Bassetlaw Sports Awards on 9th December.

The 25-year-old, who recently took bronze at the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships is currently based in Retford.

And Bassetlaw Council’s sports development team will be hoping her story will spur the budding sportsmen and women of the district on to great achievements.

Lane explained how she got into Para-Cycling: “I played football for many years and when I reached the age of 18, I wanted to try a new sport.”

“I had seen Sarah Storey win at the Beijing Olympics Games in 2008 and I knew her disability was similar to mine and that is when I first thought about Para-Sports.”

In January of last year she was given the chance to try out new sports at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, including rowing and cycling – and her talent was spotted by British Cycling.

After completing some gruelling physiological tests, Lane was invited to join the Paralympic Talent Team.

She now rides in international races, in a category determined by her upper limb disability, and she loves it.

“Once I am out there on the bike I wouldn’t want to do anything different. It now feels more natural than walking does. From the very beginning the coaches at team GB have said they want gold and slver medals and that is where I see myself with more training and dedication.”

A spokesman for the sports development team told the Guardian: “We’re delighted to have Crystal at the event and the audience will get the chance to listen to her journey in an inspirational speech.”

“She will also be presenting each category winner with their trophy.”

There are only five weeks left to nominate local sports stars for a Bassetlaw Sports Award.

The event will take place at Retford Oaks Academy.

To receive a nomination form call 01909 534523 or email [email protected]