A letter from Jody

Just as we were starting to worry about Jody, our resident world champ, he gets in touch to tell us what he's been up to in the 'off' season:

I’m writing to you from the relative warmth of Majorca, on the first of the years training camps. This camp is a 10-day, road only camp and is to help us escape the wind and rain that has been plaguing us lately, and put in some quality endurance miles to add to the endurance work we’ve been doing over the winter.

I was joined for a couple of days by BBC Wales, they’ve been filming a piece for Sport Wales on myself and my build up to the Beijing Paralympics. Shouldn’t be long till it’s on TV so I shall let you know when to tune in!

Just prior to leaving for Majorca I had a major crash on the track, caused by my new leg that I’ve been testing over the winter. I was on a flying 100 effort in Newport and was doing about 35mph out of the saddle when my leg detached it’s self from the pedal throwing me over the handlebars. Fortunately I only sustained a bruise to my hip and elbow and a big friction burn to my knee. The bike and leg came off worse! Both have been sent back for a damage assessment and should pick them up when I’m back in the country.

Over the winter I’ve attended both BBC sports personality events, the first at the Celtic Manor in Newport for the BBC Wales Sports Personality, and the 2nd a week later at the NEC for the National Sports Personality. Both were good fun and an opportunity to mix with our sporting peers, if I have to be honest the Welsh event was a much better event and the meal was lovely! Interestingly it was the same winner on both evenings, Joe Calzaghe.

Training at the moment is focused on the Paralympic World Cup, which takes place in Manchester from the 7-11th of May. This year’s event promises to be a more competitive event with a 2 day competition and more riders from around the world attending. As it’s probably one of the only big events on the track prior to Beijing it should be a good hit out to see everything is heading in the right direction.

The BBC have arranged a series of demonstration events for members of the GB squad to race at during the World Championships in Manchester, I think they want us to entertain the crowds between sessions and also raise the profile of Paracycling. They take place at the end of March.

Think that’s about it for now,

More updates soon as it’s starting to get a bit busy again (!).

Jody