Cannonball aims for 100mph - indoors
WHEN Kevin Cannonball Alderton set a new blind speed skiing world record in April, he vowed that he would be back to make more history. And this week, the former landlord of the Anchor pub, in Wimblington, has been aiming to hurtle himself down a slope
WHEN Kevin 'Cannonball' Alderton set a new blind speed skiing world record in April, he vowed that he would be back to make more history.
And this week, the former landlord of the Anchor pub, in Wimblington, has been aiming to hurtle himself down a slope at more than 100 kilometres per hour ... INDOORS.
Alderton, 35, became the subject of world-wide media attention earlier this year when he achieved a speed of 100.94mph (162.45 kph) on the Flying Kilometre, Les Arcs, France.
In setting a new FSSV (Federation Suisse de Ski de Vitesse) world record he also became the first man to set a blind speed skiing Guinness World Record.
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The record realised an ambition he had held since he was blinded by thugs in London eight years ago.
During a night out in Islington, Alderton went to the aid of a woman being attacked but he was set upon by a gang and the injuries he sustained left him with just four per cent vision.
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The former Grenadier Guard and competitive skier, who now lives in Dartford, Kent, turned his life around with support of St Dunstan's, a charity that addresses the needs of blind ex-servicemen.
In setting the new world record, Alderton raised more than £100,000 for the charity, but he wasn't finished there.
Following the historic achievement, Alderton told the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard: "My next goal is to set an indoor record and I hope to do this in Dubai during July or August."
It may be a little later in the year and closer to home than he anticipated but following more months of practice and preparation, Alderton was in Holland this week, aiming to finally set the indoor record.
As part of the inaugural National Ski and Snowboard week, Alderton travelled to the 520-meter long indoor slope, at Landgraaf, to attempt to set the first ever indoor blind speed record.
Alderton said: "I am aiming to travel at about 130kph or 80mph and if I can achieve that kind of speed I will be very pleased."
Avalanches and bad weather played havoc with his world record attempt in Les Arcs but of course, that should not be a problem this time.
