MEG LEMON REVEALED SHE IS KEEN ON BECOMING AN ELITE WOMEN’S CYCLIST AT THE SANTOS FESTIVAL OF CYCLING AFTER WINNING A BRONZE MEDAL AT THE TOKYO 2020 PARALYMPIC GAMES.
The 32-year-old dietitian and para-cyclist is contemplating riding for Butterfields Women’s Team in the national road series after suffering from a traumatic brain injury after she was hit by a car in the Northern Territory in 2014.
Lemon said she had enjoyed performing at the 2021 Festival of Cycling.
She is in the box seat to showcase her skills in the Santos para-cycling relay and her preferred discipline, the para-cycling time trial where she was on the podium in Tokyo.
“Personally, I’m working on being with the Butterfield Women’s Team but it’s still a stretch as to whether I would be able to perform with that,’’ Lemon said.
“There are a few added dimensions compared to some of the elite women but sometimes it’s worth giving something a go or you won’t know what’s possible – a bit like getting back on a bike.
Lemon cannot recall the 2014 incident which left her with a traumatic brain injury, but through hard work slowly overcame her fear of racing again.
“It’s what cycling gives to me – it’s purpose, structure and the feeling of freedom.”
“The feeling I had when I got back on a bike, that’s what keeps me going, wakes me up and keeps me moving,” said Lemon.
Lemon said the adoration she enjoyed at the 2021 Festival of Cycling made her crave more at the 2022 event.
“It’s exciting, I love the Santos Tour Down Under, just the atmosphere and getting people together giving them some hope in the current times is pretty cool,’’ Lemon said.
The 2022 Santos Festival of Cycling has an extended para-cycling program as excitement for the discipline mounts, showcasing various bikes and abilities.
“We don’t want to be an inspiration or be considered different - we all share a passion for riding bikes and enjoying the ride along the way,” concluded Lemon.
