Cycling: Foster selected for Great Britain squad
Source: This is Staffordshire
BRITISH silver medal cyclist Chris Foster has been selected to represent Great Britain at next year's World Transplant Games in Sweden.Foster won two silvers at the British Transplant Games earlier this year in the 5km time trial and 10km scratch.
The 39-year-old, from Congleton, has battled back to health after being diagnosed with kidney failure in 2001 after suffering a throat infection. He underwent dialysis treatment for two years before his dad, Bob, was found to be a donor match and a successful transplant was carried out in 2003.
Now Foster, a scientific engineer, is aiming for more medals when he competes in the World Games in Gothenburg between June 17 and 24 next year.
"I entered the British games just to see how I'd get on," said Foster, who rides for Congleton Cycling Club.
"So to win two medals was more than I'd hoped for.
"It helped me to get recognised and was one of the reasons why I've been selected for the event in Sweden.
"I'm excited to go, but it's going to be extremely competitive. Realistically, I'm quite a way off gold pace.
"I've got a hard winter of training ahead to get anywhere near challenging for a medal."
The purpose of the games is to demonstrate the benefits of successful organ transplantation, increase public awareness of donations and promote the full rehabilitation of the participants.
Foster, a former motorbike racer, has been told he will need to raise a minimum of £1,200 to go to the event.
He added: "The money covers travel, accommodation, equipment and kit.
"I'm training at Manchester Velodrome twice a week, and doing four-hour mountain bike rides at weekends. That will change and get more intense towards the event distances, which are going to be confirmed next year.
"I hope to combine my training with sponsored events, and I'll have to make up any shortfall myself."
Anyone who may be able to help Foster out with sponsorship should visit www.justgiving.com/racerfozzy.
FORMER British road race champion Steve Joughin will be at Brian Rourke Cycles, in Burslem, next month to sign copies of his autobiography.
The 51-year-old, from Lightwood, earned the nickname 'Pocket Rocket' after carving out a successful cycling career.
Originally from the Isle of Man, Joughin moved to England as a youngster to advance his cycling career.
Joughin's book is an honest assessment of the difficulties he faced, how he turned to drink when his career was ended, to the more positive days of become a cycling champion.
Joughin will be at Brian Rourke Cycles on November 6 between 9am and noon.
His book can be purchased at Waterstone's in Hanley, priced £8.99.
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