Jon has always loved mountain bike racing and represented Great Britain at junior level from the age of 13 competing at the world championships, Germany.  Fast forward 20-years, with a family and successful business, Jon enjoyed cycling as a hobby in 2012 when his life changed forever.

Jon was badly injured in a mountain bike accident, suffering severe leg and nerve trauma requiring many reconstructive surgeries.  This life changing event fortunately made him eligible for para-cycling events as a C5 rider.  Jon set his goal to join the British Cycling para-cycling programme in 2013.  He was given his nickname of ‘100% Jon’ by his teammates due to his maximum effort and enthusiasm.

Jon’s first taste of international success came in 2016, when he won his first global medal on the track – silver in the scratch race at the world championships in Montichiari.  Jon missed out on selection for Rio 2016, but he stayed home to support his British Cycling team mates in the media.  Soon after Rio, Jon claimed the first rainbow jersey of his career with a stunning ride in the individual pursuit at the 2017 track world championships in LA.  A first world title was swiftly followed by a second, as he added scratch race gold to his medal collection on the final day of those championships.

One year later, and soon after the loss of his inspirational father, Jon once again showed his international class, winning individual pursuit silver at the 2018 track world championships in Rio.  He followed this up with a gold in the omnium in 2019 track world championships in Apeldorn.

At the 2020 track world championships, Gildea broke his pursuit personal best on his way to a bronze medal.  Always giving 100%, read more about him in his latest blogs here >>