Alumni news

Freddy and his tandem partner Aaron Pope competing at British Cycling’s 2026 Lloyds National Track Championship in Manchester in February

Gold medal winners: Freddy on the medal podium (third from left) with his tandem partner Aaron Pope (fourth from left)

Since we published Freddy Ireland’s story, the para cyclist’s sporting career has gone from strength to strength. Currently in the throes of completing his third year studying Geography and due to graduate this July, Sports Scholar Freddy has worked hard to balance his academic studies with elite level training. And his work has paid off: this spring, he competed at British Cycling’s 2026 Lloyds National Track Championship in Manchester and came away with both a gold and silver medal!

Freddy explains that the weeks leading up to the championships were some of the most focused of his life: “Physically, the most important thing was sticking to the training programme my coach set. The three week block before nationals was full of competition specific sessions, and in the final week we tapered the training so my legs would be fresh. I concentrated on the basics - nutrition, sleep, and trusting the process.”

Freddy competed in two events: the mixed tandem team sprint and the tandem sprint. “In the mixed team sprint, I raced with the pilot I’d worked with all season. The female tandem led the first two laps, then pulled off, and my pilot and I sprinted the final lap. We came second and won silver.”

The next day brought even more success. “The tandem sprint runs like the individual sprint. I was piloted by Aaron Pope, and after the flying 200m qualifier we made it through the rounds and into the final - and we won gold! It was absolutely amazing!”

For Freddy, these achievements were underpinned by the support he’s received through his Sports Scholarship, which is provided through generous alumni gifts to the Sussex Fund.

“Accessing a gym with no usable vision is extremely difficult to do independently. The Sports Scholarship has given me structured, personalised coaching that I simply wouldn’t have been able to access otherwise. That support - from strength and conditioning to equipment and travel - has enabled this success in such a short space of time.”

The Scholarship has helped Freddy purchase essential racing equipment, including an aerodynamic helmet and overshoes, and has covered his competition entry costs. These practical resources, combined with expert coaching, have allowed him to train safely, build power, and compete at a national level.

Since the championships, Freddy has continued to train hard, both in the gym and on the bike, as he looks ahead to the next track season in the autumn. And he is already thinking about what comes next.

“After I graduate, I’m planning to take some time to focus on cycling full time. I don’t know exactly where it will take me, but my lecturers have assured me that I can always come back in the future.”

Freddy remains deeply grateful to the alumni community whose generosity has shaped his journey:

“Once again, I want to say how thankful I am to all of those alumni who give to the Sussex Fund. Your support has enabled me to receive vital coaching and access facilities that I might otherwise have had to go without. You’ve helped make my success possible - the medals, the progress, the confidence. Thank you.”

If you would like to help more students like Freddy, please consider making a gift to the Sussex Fund.

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