Weir out for a sixth London Marathon title (From Epsom Guardian)

Weir out for a sixth London Marathon title

11:42am Friday 20th April 2012 in Athletics

British wheelchair racing royalty David Weir will be looking for a second consecutive victory when he races in the London marathon on Sunday, writes Thomas Anstey.

Weir, who has won the event a record five times and holds British records in every track event up to 5,000m as well as the 10km, half marathon and marathon, won last year after a thrilling sprint finish against Switzerland’s Heinz Frei.

And he wants to make it six winners’ medals this Sunday.

“I love the London marathon,” he said.

“I haven’t missed one for 12 years and I wouldn’t miss this one for the world.

“We’ve had such strong fields for the past few years that London is now up there as one of the best wheelchair marathons in the world.

“I know I’m the man to beat in London but whoever is there on the day that’s fine by me.”

After the marathon, Weir competes in the Paralympic World Cup on May 22 as he hones his preparations for the Paralympics.

“I’ve been looking forward to the Paralympic World Cup for some time now,” he said.

“Not only is it a fantastic event that will give me the opportunity to test myself against some of the finest athletes in the world, but it also means that London 2012 is just around the corner.

“All of the hard work over the past four years culminates this summer and I’m determined not to let the opportunity slip past me.

“I’ve got a huge opportunity to win a gold medal in my home Games and I’m determined to make the most out of what is a once in a life time opportunity.

“The whole team have put in the hard work in training and I think we’ll see a great performance in Manchester.

“If I can go out and put in a performance which reflects my training, then I think something special could be on the cards.

“Then who knows what can happen in London.”