Jody On Track For Beijing

 

News Posted: 9 October 2007

 

Wales’ Jody Cundy has yet again proved himself to be a Paralympic powerhouse, setting a brand new world record in the Flying 200m time trial at the GB Track Cycling Nationals this weekend.

 

Cundy in action at the recent National Track Championships, Manchester

 

The Swansea amputee rider raced to clock a scorching 11.458 in the Flying 200m – an event where the winner is decided on the basis of comparing each rider's recorded time against the current World best within each disability category.  Porthcawl’s Simon Richardson also made the podium, claiming bronze with a time of 14.150.

 

Cundy explained, “I broke the world record at last year’s Nationals and I knew that I had been going faster. In qualification I didn’t go as well as I should have done but I got into sprint mode once I was racing and my legs woke up!"

 

It was nearing the end of a long week for Cundy at the Manchester Velodrome. Earlier, the 29-year-old seized silver in the men’s able-bodied B Sprint and finished inside the top ten of the able-bodied 1000m time trial. 

 

Cundy continued, “Obviously I’ve beaten able-bodied riders so I did get quite a lot of comments and people enjoyed watching my race. Hopefully, it will help make people more aware of disability cycling and it shows how well things are going in the disability programme. It also gives spectators a name to watch out for, come Beijing, and they’ll know a little bit more about me.”

 

The former Paralympic swimmer who notched up an impressive array of medals in the pool can now enjoy a two week break from his gruelling training schedule.

 

Cundy further explained. “I might get back in the pool. I haven’t been in the water since February. It’ll just be nice to have a rest! From the beginning of November, it’s back into full-on training until Beijing.”

 

Jon Morgan of Disability Sport Wales explained, “Jody is an immense athlete. He trains hard and he puts his all into racing. He’s beginning to get recognition on the track and it’s helpful that he is already attracting attention as I think he’ll have to get used to the limelight in Beijing – I think he is going to be one of the big stars of the Games.”

 

Jody lives in Swansea with Paralympic swimming medallist Liz Johnston and trains at the Wales National Velodrome, Newport.