CYCLIST Mark Colbourne is going for his first Paralympic gold of 2012 in the 1km time trial today.

The 42-year-old from Tredegar, who broke his back in a paragliding accident three years ago, admits he has been through “hell” and come out the other side.

He was crowned world pursuit champion in the 3km race at the UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Los Angeles in February.

And he’s one of Great Britain’s best hopes for medals in the velodrome and on the road at the London 2012 Paralympics.

Colbourne starts his Paralympic campaign in the C1-C3 category 1km time trial today.

Blaenau Gwent County Councillor Bernard Wills said: "Good luck Mark! Being a Tredegar lad we're very very proud of what he's done. I'll certainly be watching him today. We hope in the near future he'll come to one of our meetings, perhaps with his gold medals. He's done really well since 2009 and having seen him on TV this morning he's looking well too."

 

Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent added his good luck wishes, saying: "The whole country is right behind the Paralympics as tickets sell out. Mark Colbourne’s determination and skill gives us all inspiration. We may be cheering loudest in Tredegar, but Mark will make us all proud."

Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, Hedley McCarthy said: "I'd like to wish Mark luck on behalf of everyone at Blaenau Gwent Council and hope he'll bring his medals for us to see some time. Best of luck in all events."


Deputy leader of Tredegar Town Council, Alyson Tippings, whose council has put up a sign on the town clock supporting Mark's efforts, said: "Go for Gold Mark and do Tredegar proud. You are a true inspiration, bring those medals home."

Leave your messages of support for Mark below or email newsdesk@gwent-wales.co.uk

The Paralympic cycling team released this video to show their training regime.