Deafness has helped him become a sharpereyed cyclist as he trains for a life-changing ride across America

REAL RIDER Shane Prendergast’s

Alife without sound is something I’ve become accustomed to. I’ve worn hearing aids since I was 12, and was profoundly deaf by 21. As they’re not waterproof, I don’t wear them while cycling so it’s vital to always be aware of my surroundings. I’m heavily dependent on my observation skills.

It’s essential to hold a good position on the road as I don’t know when someone is behind me or about to pass. It’s quite scary being passed by a vehicle that you don’t hear coming.

Cycling is in my blood. My father, who’s hearing, rode across America, Australia, Canada and around Britain, raising over £52,000 for charity. It makes me very proud and I’ve dreamt of following in his tyre tracks.

For most of the past decade I’d barely ridden a bike. I did some time trials before starting university then nothing, until last year when I decided to ride 3200 miles across America. I’ll be doing that in September – over 28 days – hoping to raise £10,000 for Action on Hearing Loss and CLIC Sargent. I got a trainer and have focused on my strength, core and flexibility. I have some events in the pipeline ahead of September’s departure (including RideLondon in July). I joined a club too and while it was great being part of a group, conversation was hard and it was impossible to hear instructions from the back. I figured it was easier to train on my own. I do that on a Merida Ride 7000, donated by my sponsors – Homebuilder Ltd and Grip Cycles, with Azolt Official sponsoring the ride – most days of the week near my home in the Peak District. I hope to prove that disability is just a word – forget the first three letters and focus on the ability to embrace your passions and dreams!

It’s quite scary being passed by a vehicle that you don’t hear coming