April 30, 2005 – British Cycling is to offer people with disabilities the chance to ride on the country’s best cycling track as part of the inaugural Visa Paralympic World Cup.

The Manchester Velodrome””built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games””will open its doors on Saturday, May 14, the day after the best Paralympic athletes in the world compete at the very same venue.

The initiative is part of British Cycling’s efforts to use the first ever Visa Paralympic World Cup to encourage as many as possible to take up the sport.

Anyone attending will be provided with a top quality racing bicycle and, where required, a tandem pilot. Under the supervision of accredited velodrome coaches, each participant will then be given at least half an hour of track time.

Those unable to ride a bicycle or tandem will be able to try out specially tailored “hand bicycles” in an initiative supported by Wheels for All.

Interested individuals must pre-book their place on the day. Application forms are available by contacting paulwest@britishcycling.org.uk. Minimum age limit for the day is 14 and any applications must be in by Friday, May 6.