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British cyclists break records to bag three golds

07/09/2008

British cyclists have won three gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Beijing today, smashing three world records in the process.

The medals came in the LC3/4 one-kilometre time trial for athletes with lower-limb disabilities, the BVI one-three kilometre race for those with sight impairments and the CP3 individual pursuit race.

Simon Richardson, 41, was the first to win a medal today as he set a world record time of 1 minute 14.936 secs in his first appearance at the Paralympics.

The athlete, who suffered serious injuries in a road accident seven years ago, said the victory was a "real shock" as he was expecting to do his best at another race.

Richardson said: "It's just an extra bonus. I had to go out there and try my best and it worked out perfectly today. This is my third year on a bike after my operations and everything. From club-level rider to here in three years is a real shock."

Aileen McGlynn, 35, also broke the world record in the race for athletes with visual impairments after she and pilot Ellen Hunter defended the gold medal won in Athens. McGlynn bettered her own world record with a time of 1minute 9.066 secs to take the top spot on the podium.

Speaking after the victory, the Glaswegian who is registered blind, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have broken the world record and the Paralympic record. It was a hard ride but we knew we had it in us to do the time. You just have to put the training in and have confidence in the training you do all year long and it's all going to work out on the day."

Darren Kenny rounded off Britain's triple gold medal day after he defended his individual pursuit title, shaving six seconds of his own world record in the process.

The 38-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy, said: "It all went according to plan, no problems at all. I'm overjoyed and relieved to get the gold. We've put a lot of work into it so it's just the relief that it's done."

Kenny now has three Olympic gold medals.

The opening ceremony of the Paralympics took place yesterday. Great Britain is competing in 18 of the 20 sports at the games.