Case Studies

Showcasing our inspirational riders of all ages.

A Love of Cycling from the Start

Kiera grew up in a family passionate about cycling. From a young age she joined her mum, Jacqui, and dad, Brian, on rides, on a trailer bike. It was during these early family rides that her love for cycling began.

When Kiera was 10 years old, her parents bought her first bike, but due to Kiera having dyspraxia and a learning disability she struggled with the concept of balance, brakes and gears. As a consequence, the family stopped riding as Kiera had outgrown the trailer bike. Then a friend made a pair of cranks that allowed Kiera to pedal on the back of the tandem.

Discovering the track

Brian (dad) attended the NCC to ride the track; Kiera was now aged 12 years and went with him one day to watch.

Kiera said “I think I would like to try” and subsequently she attended a disability session, which was the first time she truly felt comfortable to ride, followed by a few taster sessions, then improver sessions before joining the local youth cycle group at the NCC (now known as ESV Manchester). Although she was nervous when she first started riding on the velodrome, the track quickly became somewhere she felt comfortable and accepted.

“The track gave me somewhere where I could be me"

Building Confidence Through Cycling

At school, Kiera experienced bullying. Cycling became a safe space where she could focus on what she loved and feel part of a supportive community.

Through cycling she built resilience, confidence and friendships, and discovered opportunities she never imagined possible.

Success on the World Stage

Kiera’s dedication to cycling soon led to incredible achievements.

At the age of 17 she competed in the Special Olympics (SO) World Games in Los Angeles in 2015, winning three gold medals. She repeated this success at the 2019 SO World Games in Abu Dhabi, once again bringing home three gold medals.

Cycling gave Kiera independence, confidence and the chance to represent her country on the world stage where she also won 5 other World Championships for riders with Intellectual Disability.

In 2018 she also won the Women’s Monday Night Track League title at the NCC.

Continuing Her Journey at NCC

Today, Kiera remains an important part of the NCC cycling community.

She helps solo riders at the Limitless session at the NCC on Thursday evenings to where riders of all abilities come together to enjoy cycling in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

It’s a family effort too. Kiera’s dad Brian regularly volunteers at the sessions, piloting tandem bikes for riders, many who are visually impaired or registered blind, helping more people experience the thrill of riding on the track.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Kiera is passionate about encouraging others to get involved in cycling. She is now an Athlete Leader on both the SO Great Britain and SO International Boards and is the current Global Athlete Congress Chair, representing over 4 million athletes worldwide.

She’s a motivational speaker, a certified British Cycling Level 2 coach and a Level 1,2 & 3 Bikeability instructor, supporting and inspiring the next generation of riders.

In recognition of her contribution to sport and inclusion, Kiera was awarded the British Empire Medal for Services to Sport in 2021.

Through programmes like Limitless at the National Cycling Centre, Kiera continues to show that cycling truly is a sport for everyone.

Cycling at the NCC greatly helped Kiera to develop her cycling skills in a step-by-step approach, without gears & brakes initially before adding other road bikes skills. Just as importantly, it’s created an environmental where riders and coaches alike can experience a more inclusive and tolerant environment.