At 10 years old, Archie Atkinson was taught to ride on the velodrome by multiple world and Olympic champion, Sir Chris Hoy. Less than 10 years on, Archie followed Hoy’s footsteps to become a world champion himself during this summer’s home championships in Glasgow.

Off the back of his recent second place in SportsAid's One-To-Watch, we caught up with Archie to hear all about his positive attitude to race day, his unusual race-winning food combinations, and his life-changing win at the UCI Cycling World Championships.

What does cycling mean to you?

Cycling has been my way of escaping from reality, whether that's on the boards of the velodrome, the hills of Spain and the Peak District, or the muddy fields on my cross or mountain bike - I just absolutely love it! I think with my ADHD, cycling gives me a sense of freedom and utter peace.

How did you first find out about the world of para-cycling?

It was by absolute coincidence! I was out riding in 2021 with my dad and I bumped into Ben Watson [double Paralympic gold medallist]. When I got home, I followed him on Instagram and we started messaging. I then studied the entire classification book and realised I could qualify for para events too.

Having never done a power test before, I completed two testing days and found out that I had been accepted onto the foundation pathway! Then after 11 months and 28 days,  I was moved up to the world class performance programme.

What has your experience of being on the para-pathway been like so far?

My experience on the foundation squad has been absolutely phenomenal. The support we've received from Scottie (Helen Scott - Paralympic Foundation Coach) has been, and is, the reason why I am now able to call this my job.

When it comes to training and racing, what motivates you and do you have a good luck charm or mascot?

My motivation has changed slightly. Before, my motivation was just to make myself proud and to do the best I can do. But since I lost a friend a few months ago, motivation is now to make him proud and to keep his legacy alive.

I have stickers on my bike with my friend’s initials. If I was finding it hard in a race, I would look down at his name, and it helps me to push through the pain.

On my worlds kit, I had #RideForMagnus on my collar. Having that there allowed me to remember that he always has my back and that would remind me why I was doing it – so I could make him proud.

Now focusing on your experience at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, can you describe your emotions and thoughts during the scratch race in Glasgow?

I couldn't believe I was taking a lap - no one was there and I was quite shocked! When I came back to the pack, I didn’t want to let anything go.

With four laps to go, I had been pushed to the back. It was a risky manoeuvre, but someone made a gap of a few centimetres and it meant I could just get through, so I went for it and that was the race winning manoeuvre! I won by four bike lengths in the end which still shocks me.

You describe the race with such clarity. How do you feel when you are racing?

When I race, I am in my element. In my mind, I have a sense of peace - I know what I'm doing, where to go. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it goes wrong but you have to believe in yourself. You have to go into it wanting to be the fastest there and try to work out the steps on how to make your dream a reality.

I was in disbelief when I knew I had won. I still have no words for it. It is so hard to describe the emotions.

Where do your podium highland cows live?

On my bed or on the chest of drawers next to my bed. The world champion jersey is on my bedroom wall and I have my medals hanging above my bed. It is the first thing I see in the morning and it makes me laugh as I still can't believe it!

Did you have a particular pre-race meal?

I have rice and Biscoff spread – a good tablespoon full in a bowl of rice! Sounds disgusting, but it's so good and it works. You can't hate it til you try it and I'm now hooked.

Can you give one piece of advice for new riders?

Give two million percent! I put it on my worlds application form and I told my coach that this is what I will give. In this sport, you have to give it absolutely everything.

Also, ask questions. If you are struggling with anything, your coach is there for a reason, so make the most of it and don’t be afraid to talk to them.

If you have been inspired by hearing about Archie’s journey to becoming a World Champion and would like to find out more about how to get involved in para-cycling, then click here to find out more!