By Nick Butler

The cycling exhibition is in the Riverside Museum in Glasgow ©WikipediaCommonwealth Games silver medallists Aileen McGlynn and Louise Haston have attended the opening of a special display dedicated to their achievements at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.


The display, entitled "Blood Sweat and Gears", traces their personal journey to success in Para-cycling tandem events last summer, with the duo winning silver medals in the sprint and 1km time trial competitions behind English pair Sophie Thornhill and Helen Scott.

A key legacy feature of the Games, such an exhibition has never been staged before in Commonwealth Games history, with the display reflects on this significant moment in sports history by focusing on the athletes' journey to the Games and their subsequent success, it is claimed. 

"The summer of 2014 was an incredible time for me, competing in front of a home crowd really was a dream come true and winning two silver medals in the process was the icing on the cake," said McGlynn.

"I'm delighted to have had the support of Glasgow Museums in this groundbreaking project. 

"It's a huge honour to be asked to share my Commonwealth Games journey with the visitors at Riverside. 

"It's a little strange, but a very special experience to walk in to the museum and see both my first bike and the tandem I competed on form part of a display. 

"It completes my journey beautifully and I'm touched to be part of something which celebrates such a momentous summer for the city."

Aileen McGlynn and Louise Haston pictured competing during the Games ©AFP/Getty ImagesAileen McGlynn and Louise Haston pictured competing during the Games
©AFP/Getty Images



The display depicts the inspiration of the athletes and their respective journeys to the Games, such as their first bikes, training, the Queen's Baton Relay, the Athletes' Village and their success at the Games.

"I am thrilled to see this tremendous new display at Riverside," added Councillor Archie Graham, chair of Glasgow Life.

"It brings back a flood of great memories and it's been a pleasure to relive those with Aileen and Louise, part of Team Scotland who gave us so much to celebrate.

"This display highlights a little of the determination, effort and sacrifice that goes into the long journey on the road to success."

Blood, Sweat and Gears is situated in the North Window of Riverside Museum, where it is due to remain remain until March 6, 2016. 

It follows on from previous exhibition "The Road from Delhi", which charted Glasgow's journey as host city of the Commonwealth Games from the Closing Ceremony in Delhi in 2010 to the summer of 2014.

More information can be found on the museum website here. 

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