CYCLIST James Brown is targeting a podium finish at the London 2012 Paralympics after upsetting the odds in extraordinary fashion to claim silver at the UCI Paracycling World Championships in Los Angeles earlier this month.

Born with just-five per cent vision, the Stonehouse-based athlete and his co-rider Damien Shaw were considered rank outsiders ahead of the championships.

But the pair showed scant regard for their underdog status as they powered to an impressive second-placed finish in the men’s 4km tandem pursuit inside LA’s Home Depot Velodrome.

Riding as part of the national Irish Paracycling squad, the duo missed out on gold by only two seconds after suffering defeat in a closely-contested final to an Australian team who, as world champions, were overwhelming favourites going into the event.

“To tell you the truth my most ambitious target would have been sixth prior to the championships.

“Damien and I were unseeded because I have never raced on the track before,” said James, a part time racer who juggles his training with two other jobs.

After defeating the Colombians in the first heat, the Irish pair went on to set the fastest time, which was bettered only when the Australians defeated the team from Spain to secure their birth in the final.

Twenty eight years ago James, of High Street, Stonehouse, who has lived in the town for six years, won double gold at the 1984 New York Paralympics.

But given the circumstances, he said his success at the Paracycling World Championships on Thursday, February 9, ranked as his greatest achievement to date.

“The profile of Paralympic sport has gone up so much in the last few years and I think to win a silver medal now is a bigger accomplishment because the standard has risen so much,” he said.

With James and his pilot Damien now highly likely to represent the Irish national team at the London 2012 Paralympics on both the track and road, the 47-year-old is hoping sponsors will come forward to supply much needed funds that could be put towards new bikes.

Anyone who is interested in providing company sponsorship should call James on 01453 825129 or 07712 612801

Article courtesy of the Stroud news and Journal

This Grandstand offers fantastic views accross the old complex and you can watch the cars and bikes down the Wellington straight, brake hard into brooklands and around luffield and woodcote. Just Gold Hospitality expect there to be lots of action through this complex in 2012