Spotlight: Daniel – Cycling, Growth and Quiet Determination
For many who know Daniel, his quiet nature is part of his charm. He has autism and, for the most part, is selectively mute choosing silence where others might use words. But anyone who trains with him has witnessed something remarkable over the past year. Step by step, ride by ride, Daniel has been emerging from his shell.
He has begun saying a little more, engaging more, and showing growing confidence both on and off the bike.
And at the heart of that growth is cycling his constant, his freedom, the place where he feels most himself.
Cycling as Freedom
Daniel has been riding since he was just four years old, and the bike has never been simply a hobby.
For him, it is independence, expression and certainty.
He thrives with structure and predictability, and cycling offers both while still giving him space to explore, challenge himself, and feel completely free.
One of Daniel’s many strengths is his versatility. He rides:
BMX
Road
Track
He can do it all and he rides almost every single day. His weekends often include long ride-outs through Cheshire, always finished with a café stop: a routine he loves, built into his weekly rhythm.
Routine, Preparation & Healthy Focus
Daniel puts huge care into planning his days. He structures his training, prepares his meals, and focuses on eating healthily to maximise his ability on the bike. This discipline is a defining part of what makes him such a strong athlete.
As we move into winter, his commitment doesn’t fade it simply shifts.
Swapping the track for the turbo and of course, he joins in with Mossley’s winter turbo sessions with Colin (Mossley coach) which give him structure, community and encouragement through the darker season.
Racing: His Biggest Annual Highlight
One of the absolute highlights of Daniel’s cycling year is taking part in the Annual National Races.
He absolutely loves the racing, the medals, the atmosphere, and the whole event especially spending time with everyone. These competitions give him space to shine, to push himself, and to celebrate everything he has trained so hard for.
Growth Through Community: Mossley CRT & Special Olympics
Joining Mossley CRT opened a new chapter for Daniel.
It gave him opportunities to explore road cycling more deeply, try new challenges, and train alongside a community that truly understands and champions him.
The continuity weekly sessions, familiar faces, encouraging voices has played a huge role in his growing confidence. He’s not just attending sessions; he’s connecting, smiling, responding, and becoming increasingly vocal. His presence is stronger every week.
An Extraordinary Mum Behind the Scenes
Behind all of Daniel’s progress is someone who deserves huge recognition: his mum, June Woodcock. Last month, something special happened: Kiera spotlighted June Woodcock as a fabulous volunteer through Special Olympics, and SO sent a certificate to recognise this. A moment of pride, acknowledgement and recognition and so well deserved.
She is:
His biggest supporter
A committed coach
The Chairwoman of the club
A driving force behind almost everything we do
Her leadership, consistency and belief in every athlete especially Daniel make a profound difference. She is appreciated more than she will ever know. Get in touch if you’d like your Mossley rider to feature in our next monthly spotlight.
