Disability Grand Prix of Wales 2008 Monday 12th May

Wales National Velodrome

 

CUNDY AND HUNTER ON MISSION FOR MEDALS

Posted 8 May 2008

 

Wales' World Champion disability cyclists, Jody Cundy (pictured right) and Ellen Hunter, will test their nerve against competitors from across the globe at the Disability Grand Prix of Wales next week.

 

The medal-hungry track stars will have the added advantage of racing on home boards at the Wales National Velodrome in Newport. But Welsh speedsters will face tough competition as squads are arriving from Australia, New Zealand, the USA as well as various European nations.

 

The event, backed by the Federation of Disability Sport Wales and Welsh Cycling, is the final international showdown prior to the Beijing Paralympic Games in September.

 

Newport will be host to six world champions who, between them, share more than 30 Paralympic medals and five World records.

 

The sports Minister, Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: With a number of Welsh cyclists looking for medals in the Beijing Paralympics, this Grand Prix is sure to be keenly fought. I'd like to wish the Welsh competitors the best of luck against the international competition.

 

Grand Prix organiser Neil Smith said, "This is our third year of the Grand Prix of Wales and every year we increase the number of international squads. The event is great for Newport, Wales and, more importantly, the development of disability cycling across the country".

 

Hunter will be aiming to continue to plague her opponents on the track. The 40-year-old is the pilot cyclist to Scotland's Aileen McGlynn who is visually impaired. (pictured below) The world record-breaking pairing will be bidding to demonstrate their sheer strength in the tandem events.

Ellen's husband, Paul, will also be in action as a pilot guide. Partnering Ian Sharpe, the duo graced the podium at the Athens Paralympics, winning two bronze medals.

 

Swansea's Jody Cundy will also be preparing to deliver a scorching performance. Cundy is a firm favourite for gold in Beijing and also holds a world record.

 

The event will also be an important training ground for Disability Sport Wales' Young Talent Academy riders. As world-class riders come to utilise the facilities in Wales, they will also rub shoulders with the rising stars of disability cycling.

 

The event takes place on Monday 12th May from 5pm - entry is free.

 

For further information about the event please contact the event organiser, Welsh Disability Performance Cycling Coach with the Federation of Disability Sport Wales, Neil Smith,
on 07919 108 650 or at neil.smith@btinternet.com