Cyclist from Doncaster Swift by name and by nature

Connor Swift, 22, of Moorends, almost didn’t make it as his ambitions to join a professional team suffered a hitch in June 2016 when, on his way to a local 10-mile time trial race, he hit a stationary van at almost 30mph, sustaining multiple injuries and requiring weeks of hospital treatment and physiotherapy. Connor’s determination never wavered however and, within six weeks, he was back on the road, racking up a win and several other good results. This, and his previous strong performances, helped him secure a contract with professional road cycling team Madison Genesis last year. Since then, he has made debut appearances in both the Tour de Yorkshire and the Tour de Britain, featuring in breakaways at both events.

“I enjoyed every minute of my first year with Madison Genesis in 2017,” Connor said. “I had a great season with some victories along the way, and I’m very motivated and excited to improve on that this season.”

Connor as inspired to take up the sport by his teachers at Trinity Academy who encouraged him to take part in a Doncaster schools triathlon event when he was just 13. “It was the first time I’d ever thought about cycling,” Connor said. “We didn’t need to take any kit or anything – we just jumped straight on the bikes after the swim. A week later my PE teacher told me that I’d won the whole event! He further reflected: “If I hadn’t been given the chance to do that first triathlon, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”