Shanaze Reade is looking to make history when she challenges for gold in both the BMX and track disciplines at the London 2012 Olympics, the first British cyclist to do so. If successful, Reade will start with the Team Sprint on 2 August then be free to concentrate on the BMX competition which kicks off on 9 August.
Reade has been making headlines since bursting onto the scene 10 years ago. BMX World champion in 2007, 2008 and 2001, Reade has also been making her mark on the track, taking gold in the team sprint with Olympic champion, Victoria Pendleton, in the 2007 and 2008 World Championships and silver in 2009.
Reade’s Olympic debut came in 2008 but it didn’t go according to plan. She was favourite to win the gold in the women’s BMX event but a crash in the final shattered any hopes of an medal for the young rider. London 2012 is her chance to put things right and she certainly has big plans to do just that.
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Related stories:
BMX: Shanaze Read wins BMX World Championships for the third time
Cycling: Read gears up for World Cup in Copenhagen
Cycling: Track Cycling World Championships - day 2
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First she must make it through the selection process, something she is aware will be a challenge with young rider, Jess Varnish, hot on her heels to partner Pendleton in the team sprint.
Talking to the BBC about her decision, Reade said, “Competing on the BMX and on the track in 2012 has always been my dream. The track comes first in the plan for the Olympics in London, which is great because it gives me a good run through to the BMX event which happens a week and a half later. It couldn’t fit more perfect so I’ll go for both. If I can go to London and create a bit of history then that will be amazing. If I get a silver or a bronze, if I’ve given my best that’s all I can do.”
Reade is unable to compete in the first two World Cup meetings (Melbourne and Cali, Columbia in December) due to a wrist injury, but is hoping to be back in action in January and raring to go for the final leg in Manchester.
Kirsty Page, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine