{"id":169626,"date":"2025-09-30T04:27:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T04:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/169626\/"},"modified":"2025-09-30T04:27:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T04:27:08","slug":"swindon-cyclist-wins-two-medals-at-national-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/169626\/","title":{"rendered":"Swindon cyclist wins two medals at national championship"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n Joe Bearman took part in the Para National Championship earlier this year and placed first in both the road race and 17-mile time trial.\n<\/p>\n

\n The 26-year-old, who grew up in Old Town and now lives in Wichelstowe, got into cycling five years ago and then joined the Swindon Cycles league racing team two seasons ago.\n<\/p>\n

\n He spent 14 hours a week training throughout the year to prepare for each event, where he competed in the open disability category.\n<\/p>\n

\n Joe said: \u201cI didn\u2019t expect to win, it was very cool and a really nice moment. I\u2019ve had a brilliant year, it\u2019s been my breakout season – my friends keep saying I\u2019m a national champion but it hasn\u2019t fully sunk in yet.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cEveryone at the events is really kind and genuine, I was surrounded by some of the nation\u2019s best and most motivated people, a lot of them were struggling because they were born with severe disabilities or lost limbs while in the army but have achieved unbelievable things.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cWhen you have what I have, you think being OK at sport is just temporary and you don\u2019t expect to be fit and healthy by this age, let alone doing well and thriving.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cCycling gives you something to centre your mind, it\u2019s nice to have something to focus on.\n<\/p>\n

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\n \u201cI\u2019ve cycled all over the country and abroad and the area around Swindon is one of the best places for cycling because so much beautiful countryside in all directions, including some of the prettiest places people travel for miles to see.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cNow my plan is to give absolutely everything to defending my title and give more back to the team – especially to the newer and younger riders who need guidance – and just see what happens.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\n Swindon Cycles general manager Stephen Mitchell runs the team with business owner Andrew and team manager Tom Bowering.\n<\/p>\n

\n He said: \u201cIt\u2019s a massive achievement for one of our riders, let alone us as a team in our second year of racing.\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n \u201cWe\u2019re really proud of Joe, we were all completely behind him and buzzing when he won, he\u2019s done a fantastic job through the season and supporting other riders.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cWe\u2019re excited for next year, when we\u2019ll focus on national As and Bs, which are the cycling equivalent of the Premier and Championship Leagues.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cCycling is a really nice sport, participation is growing, and we want to see more people doing what we love.\u201d\n<\/p>\n