TODAY is the biggest day of Jody Cundy’s career - and the pride of Fenland has vowed to put Paralympic sport on the map with a golden performance.

At about 2pm, Cundy, from Walpole St Andrew, will compete in the velodrome at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

He will strive to defend his 1km Time Trial (kilo) title - a feat which would give him his sixth Paralympic gold medal and make him a household name.

“This is the Games that will put Paralympic sport on the map,” he said. “Instead of being something that just comes around every four years, people will recognise names.

“I remember Olympic names like Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson - people who did amazing things. I want to make sure people remember my name and they remember Paralympic sport.”

Cundy will also race in the 4km Pursuit tomorrow, but he will not feature in Sunday’s Team Sprint as rule changes resulted in him being left out of TeamGB’s three-man team.

“Obviously it’s disappointing as the Team Sprint is pretty much a sure-fire medal,” he said. “But it’s just made me more determined.

“I did say people wouldn’t like me when I’m angry. When I was younger I was always compared to the Hulk because I had a bit of a temper. All is not lost.”

Cundy, who won three Paralympic golds as a swimmer before taking up cycling, said he had been inspired by the magic of the Olympics.

“A home Games was always a pipe dream,” he said.

“When London was announced seven years ago, I knew that whatever I did I had to compete. It will be a privilege and an honour.”

Cundy’s family and friends, who have watched him compete all over the world, travelled to London this week for what could be the 33-year-old’s final Paralympics.

“My family will be all over the velodrome because of the craziness of the ticketing system,” said Cundy.

“But to know that I can look up in any direction and see one of their flags, or whatever crazy hats and T-shirts they have made, is amazing.

“There’s no better feeling than that.”