PARALYMPIAN Jody Cundy has vowed to make up for lost time at this weekend’s UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Italy.

The three-day event in Montichiari is the first world championships since 2009 where Cundy bagged gold medals in the 1km time trial and men’s team sprint. He is already paralympic champion in the same disciplines.

Cundy, 32, of Walpole St Andrew, admits his phenomenal success has made him the man to beat this weekend.

He said: “The worlds in Manchester seem like an eternity ago now so this is an ideal opportunity to get the ball rolling and get the year off to a good start.

“Ever since I came onto the scene I’ve been a big target but I relish that. It makes me continue to push myself to the next level, race quicker and try and keep one step ahead.

“I would be disappointed if I didn’t retain my gold medals as I like to think of these events as my own.”

The inspirational star is also competing in a new discipline at this weekend’s championships - the 4km pursuit.

Cundy said: “Losing is never great for any sportsman but this new discipline is a fresh challenge for me. The endurance training seems to be helping in every aspect, including the kilo.”