The 32-year-old wheelchair racing star from London is set to compete in the T54 400 and 800 metres at the Manchester Regional Arena track on May 22 as he looks to build on a fantastic 2011 that saw him become a triple world champion.

Weir (pictured top and below) said that the Paralympic World Cup is part of a gruelling programme he has created in the build-up to London 2012; he will also face major rival Kurt Fearnley of Australia in Switzerland just a week before the race in Manchester.

But the five-times London Marathon victor says the Manchester event will serve as crucial preparation as he looks to dominate at the Paralympics in September.

"I've been looking forward to the Paralympic World Cup for some time," Weir told insideworldparasport.

"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 literally just around the corner.

"All the hard work of the last four years culminates this summer and I'm determined not to let the opportunity slip past me."


Although Weir has not yet confirmed his events for London 2012, it is likely that he will bid for four gold medals – in the T54 800m, 1500m, 5,000m and the marathon.

He could face his toughest task in the marathon trying to dethrone Fearnley, who won the T54 26-miler at the last two Paralympic Games, in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008.

"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 most definitely a once in a life time opportunity," insisted Weir.

Looking at the World Cup, Weir said: "Myself and the rest of the British team have put in the hard work during training, and I think we'll see a great performance in Manchester.

"The [World Cup] event is looking like one of the strongest line-ups in the history of the competition so it will be the perfect preparation for me.

"If I can put in a performance to be proud of at the World Cup, then who knows what might happen in London."

Weir's young team-mate, Hannah Cockroft (pictured below), also believes the World Cup will provide an invaluable opportunity to hone her skills before the biggest show on Earth descends on Britain.

Despite never before having competed at the World Cup, the 19-year-old wheelchair ace from Yorkshire is certainly not a novice in the sport having taken a double gold at the World Championships in New Zealand last year.


In addition, the Calderdale College Diploma in Sport student holds a staggering four world records – in the T34 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m – and is widely tipped to become a major star at the Paralympic Games.

"The World Cup is a really important part of my season," said Cockroft, who will compete in the T34 100m race in Manchester.

"With London 2012 just around the corner, the event is bound to be fiercely contested with everyone desperate to put in a performance and I'm no different.

"I'm hoping to build on the hard work I've been putting into training and getting myself into the perfect position for the Paralympic Games.

"I had a great training camp out in Australia and while it was by no means easy all the time, and there were plenty of hard times, I feel it's helped me no end and I'll soon start to see the benefits.

"Down there I broke the 400m world record and went sub-60 seconds, which was what I was aiming for, so I'm full of confidence and ready to take that into the World Cup.

"I'm feeling in great condition and I'm hoping to lay down a benchmark for myself.

"Hopefully the race can identify areas I still need to work on and I can take that forward into the rest of the summer."

The World Cup, which takes place from May 22 to 26, is the largest annual international multi-sport competition in elite disability sport.

Manchester has committed for the eighth consecutive year to hosting elite international athletes competing in wheelchair basketball, athletics and seven-a-side football.

In addition, boccia and sitting volleyball will again be represented, with international matches staged during the competition.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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