Grass roots in Para sport
Devon Briggs started cycling in 2014 when the velodrome in Cambridge first opened. A local bike shop owner sourced a bike for him and he said he has never looked back! Devon has played hockey in the past, and has also done some martial arts, but he found impact sports difficult. He quickly developed a love of cycling. Because it is non impact, it also helps increase the longevity of his feet.
“When the velodrome first opened I did my first ‘have-a-go’ session in hiking boots and from there I was hooked. Over the past 8 years it has developed into an amazing career with the potential to travel the world doing the thing I love, riding my bike.”
Why Devon loves Para cycling
Devon explains that he loves the freedom that cycling gives him. He enjoys the feeling of being at one with his bike, loving that it gives him the ability to be just as good as everyone else. The aspect of cycling he enjoys the most is racing. He is very competitive and enjoys the feeling of crossing the line knowing you have given it your all.
“For me, riding a bike has always been something more to me than just racing or winning. It has been something that gives me the ability to be free and ‘normal’ without having the feeling of being limited by my disability.
Going for gold
Devon aims to compete in the next few Track World Championships, and then onto the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. His goal is to win gold in Paris 2024 in the 4km individual pursuit and the 1km time trial.
“In January 2022 I qualified for my first Para Cycling Track World Championships. My goal is to win gold in the 4km individual pursuit, the 1km time trial and the C4 scratch race.”
Devon’s big goals set him in good stead for the Championships. He won 2 silver medals. In the 2023 Cycling World Championships he followed it up with a haul of 4 bronze medals.
Devon was 13 days too young to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but is motivated for Paris 2024.
Devon was named a Harvey Norman Para Sport Champion in 2024.
