Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting our amazing community of contributors. Today, it's a pleasure to welcome Dan, a force for positivity and change in his community.
From: United Kingdom
Lives: London
Social: @theonearmwonder
Tell us about yourself
Cyclist, Motivator, and Black Sheep Cycling Brand Ambassador I’m Dan, a passionate cyclist, former soldier, and someone who believes in finding the balance between overcoming life’s barriers and savouring the journey. I’ve been cycling since 2016, but my love for the sport truly took root during my training for the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games. At the time, I didn’t have a lot—no coach, no smart trainer, and I couldn’t even afford a Zwift membership. What I did have was a vision. It was the will to push through that taught me cycling was (and still is) my constant. It’s not about what you don’t have, it’s about what you do with what you’ve got.
What do you love about cycling
I’m currently based in a small coastal town in Lancashire, though London, where my cycling journey began, will always pull at my heartstrings. My old crew, Chain Gang Cyclists, are like family, but up here I’ve found something special too—rolling flats, breathtaking climbs, and scenery that London just can’t touch. I’m proud to ride as a UK Brand Ambassador for Black Sheep Cycling and train under Sean at Leadout Performance, as I set my sights on competing as a C5 Para Cyclist in the 2025 season and beyond.
What barriers have you faced in cycling
Cycling is more than just a sport for me—it’s an extension of how I face life’s challenges. We all have limitations, but they don’t define us. What defines us is how we respond when things don’t go our way. I have days where I can’t be bothered or feel like I’ve got nothing left, but I’m a believer in showing up anyway. Les Brown’s words, “It’s not over until I win,” and my own internal voice, “You asked to do this, so stop moaning and get on with it,” get me through every tough ride.
Why were you interested in contributing?
The military taught me core values like self-reliance and resilience, and those lessons are now part of who I am as a cyclist. My time in the Army built the foundation, but every ride, every challenge, every barrier I’ve overcome has added to that. Whether it’s leading or motivating others, being a good teammate is part of my DNA. I want to contribute to the cycling community because I know there’s someone out there struggling with their own limitations, just like I did. If I can connect with that person, inspire them, or give them hope, then I’ve done something worthwhile. We’re not defined by what holds us back, but by how we push beyond it.
Your fondest memory on the bike
And as for my fondest memory? That has to be the day I got the call saying I’d been selected to represent the UK at the Sydney Invictus Games. It was a culmination of years of hard work, focus, and belief that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the effort.
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