A HANDCYCLIST from Pencarreg is gearing up to represent Great Britain in the UCI Paracycling Road World Cup.

Former double British champion Luke Jones has been training for a year, with no races held during Covid restrictions, in preparation for the event held in Ostend, Belgium next week.

Luke, who was paralysed in a road traffic accident 18 years ago, will compete in the Paracycling Classics Ronde road race in Flanders on Sunday before heading over to Ostend to compete in the time trial, road race and team relay, where he hopes to make an impression to book his spot at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Luke said: “The Flanders race is a big event on its own but I will use it as a tune up for the World Cups.

“I will face a large field of the best athletes from all over the world.

“It’s been a long 12 months of training in the hope races would go ahead.

“I’ve stayed focused throughout Covid and luckily I’ve stayed healthy.”

He added: “Nobody has seen each other or raced against each other for over 12 months so it will be interesting to see who’s stayed on form.

“With the Tokyo Paralympics just around the corner I expect to see the best version of everyone.

“My hope is to do enough to impress the British team to choose me for the Europeans and the World Championships in June/July which will be my last chance to get picked for Tokyo.”

The 37-year-old was selected for the GB team back in July of last year when he announced: “Getting on the squad is a massive achievement, not just for me but for anyone that wants to achieve something.

“You don’t have to be natural at something to actually be good, with hard work and determination anything is possible.

“I’m super excited to work with British Cycling and I promise to represent my country the best I can and to also represent my fellow handcyclists whilst growing the sport to next level.

“I won’t mention names but thanks to everyone that’s been part of my journey thus far, the real journey starts now and I promise to enjoy the ride.”