HE IS already a world record holder but Paralympic cycling star Jody Cundy feels that he will have to set another in Friday s VISA Paralympic World Cup. The 28-year-old from Walpole St Andrew will be competing in the spotlight of the television cameras wh

HE IS already a world record holder but Paralympic cycling star Jody Cundy feels that he will have to set another in Friday's VISA Paralympic World Cup.

The 28-year-old from Walpole St Andrew will be competing in the spotlight of the television cameras when he gets into the saddle at the Manchester Velodrome.

Competing in the 1km time trial, Cundy will return to the track where he set a world record in the event in October but he is facing such strong opposition that he is gearing himself up for a big race.

He said: "Some of the best racers in the world will be there and so I will have to be at my very best. I am sure that I will have to break the world record to have a chance of winning.

"There will also be cyclists who compete in classes above me so it will be a real challenge

"It is a very fast, atmospheric track at Manchester and the conditions are perfect for quick times. I know it well so I am quietly confident that I can get a good time."

And preparations have been encouraging. Cundy said: "Training has been going very well and I have been setting personal bests for starts and flying laps."

Cundy's LC2 1km world record of 1:10.255 is under threat and the holder is getting close to the time in training.

He said: "I have been returning times of 1:10.9 in training so I know that I can beat the record. I have been speaking to Jason Queally and Chris Boardman this week and they have been really helpful in giving me advice on getting even quicker."

The major target for Cundy this year is the World Championships, in Bordeaux, in August. Cundy said: "I have plenty of time to get myself ready for Bordeaux.

"I don't plan to change much in training after the World Cup but I will see how it goes.