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In Tandem: The Neil Fachie Story

A profile of Scotland鈥檚 most decorated track cyclist, Neil Fachie, who has overcome near-total blindness to set records on the tandem at the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

A quiet, unassuming figure, Neil Fachie is a multiple world title winner, a Paralympic gold medallist and a Commonwealth champion. Along with multiple pilots on his tandem bike, he has broken world records in track events since joining UK Cycling in 2009. His achievements in the velodrome are all the more remarkable when you discover that he is almost completely blind.

However, cycling hasn鈥檛 always dominated Neil鈥檚 career. Born in Bridge of Don, he developed a passion for athletics as a child, and in 2008, he travelled to Beijing to compete as a sprinter in the 100m and 200m but returned home with nothing. He then discovered that his funding had been removed, and a period of depression and self-doubt followed. But then a chance encounter at the Manchester velodrome led to his inclusion in the UK Cycling squad, and he has never looked back.

Since then, he has conquered his sport with achievements that are unparalleled in world cycling, including Paralympic gold at London 2012 and Commonwealth gold at Glasgow 2014. He has also become a motivational coach.

Featuring interviews with Neil, his family and the pilots he has competed alongside, including Olympians Craig MacLean and Sir Chris Hoy, this is the emotional story of a Scottish sporting legend.

58 minutes

Last on

Sun 30 Jul 2023 19:30

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