Helen Scott's search for paralympic cycling partner

Scott won gold in Rio four years ago with Sophie Thornhill but the latter has announced her retirement, ending a hugely successful partnership which has also yielded eight world titles.

The race is now on for Scott, the sighted pilot, to find a new blind or visually-impaired partner to continue the British team’s legacy of success.

“It’s sad to lose Sophie as a partner, she’s a friend, but I’ve had a fantastic career and now I’m excited to help create the beginning of somebody’s else’s,” said Scott.

“I’m up for the challenge. I still plan on going to Tokyo to defend mine and Sophie’s title with somebody new.”

British Cycling coaches have already spoken to counterparts in other Paralympic sports to see if there are any eligible athletes who might want to switch.

But they have also put out a wider public announcement for candidates to come forward.

Scott, 29, will be involved in the recruitment process with the new rider needing to be in place for January’s World Championships.

“Sophie and I had qualified for Tokyo – our bike was on that plane – but this is different and we’d need to qualify for the World Championships which will hopefully go ahead in January, so there is a time limit on when we need these performances,” said Scott.

“This is the start of a new chapter in my career, and I am still as driven as ever to reach that top step of the podium in Tokyo and beyond.

“I want to encourage any blind or visually-impaired females who can match my drive and passion for sporting success to put in an application.

“I’m really passionate about tandem racing, and I remain highly driven to further my successes on the tandem, and to further support the development of para-cycling.

“For me, the journey is by no means over, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and a new tandem partner.”

Jon Pett, head of paracycling for the British team said: “We fully believe we have enough time to develop a new tandem stoker to deliver gold medal success, as well as contributing to our team ambition of topping the medal table in Tokyo, Paris and beyond.

“Working with our world-class team of support staff in our world-class facilities alongside the world’s best tandem pilot in Helen Scott, the candidate will be in the best place to start their elite racing career.

“We are looking for a blind or visually-impaired female who has the drive and passion to succeed. Cycling experience is not necessarily required, but you do need to hold a British passport and be at least 18 years old by December 31, 2021.

“If this opportunity is of interest to you, or someone you know, then please contact John Lenton, our Para-Cycling Pathway Manager, on johnlenton@britishcycling.org.uk.”