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Record Storey

Matt Davis
15/ 5/2008

ECCLES cycling star Sarah Storey has Beijing in her sights after smashing a world record and scooping a gold medal at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

The 30-year-old shaved two-and-a-half seconds off the world record to qualify for the final of the 3,000 metres individual pursuit in a time of 3mins 46.168secs.

And Storey finished the job in the final on Friday night as she defeated China’s Ju Fang Zhou to top the podium and give herself the perfect boost for this summer’s Paralympics in Beijing.

Storey, who also won a bronze medal in the 500m time trial, said: "I’ve never been to the Paralympics as a cyclist so I’m really looking forward to it.

"I’ve been to four Paralympics before as a swimmer so I know what it is about. I won two gold medals in Barcelona in 1992 when I was just 14 years old.

"I’ve been cycling since 2005 and only did it to keep fit after an injury. But by the time I was ready to get back into the pool I was in the Great Britain cycling team.

"It was never meant to happen like that but it was a fantastic opportunity and I just went for it.

"I am so glad I made the switch. I think I am better at cycling.

"I’ve got some experience in international competition on the bike – just not Paralympic experience. I’m hoping on June 13 that I am selected and I get that opportunity to go."

Storey, who was awarded an MBE in 1998 and now competes under her married name with her maiden name being Bailey, is delighted with her world record time and she is warning her Paralympic rivals that there is still more to come.

She said: "I have exceeded my expectations. I have been threatening to ride quicker than the world record in training and I was comfortable with the pace. There is hopefully more to come.

"It is the fastest I have ridden in the three years I have been cycling and my training through the winter has really paid off. The preparation is going well for the summer and I can’t wait to get there."

Heather Frederiksen joined Storey in breaking a world record at the Paralympic World Cup. The 22-year-old City of Salford Swimming Club ace enjoyed gold medal glory in the pool after shattering the S8 100 metres backstroke record with a time of 1min 17.41secs.

Frederiksen said: "To set a new world record was amazing. Being the fastest going to Beijing obviously puts a bit of pressure on you but, hopefully, it will give me a lot of confidence as well.

"I will have the adrenaline pumping and, hopefully, it will come right for me on the day."