First stop was the UCI Para-Cycling World Track Championships held in Los Angeles, 9-12 February 2012 where I was to defend my World Title in the Men’s C5 1Km Time Trial.  This was no easy task as just minutes before my effort China’s Xingyang Liu broke the record I had set the year before in Montichiari.  I knew I was going to have to fight to keep my title and this was going to be the hardest Kilo I had ever done but I went on to retain my World title and reclaim my World Record with a time of 1:07:212 and secure a gold medal in my favourite event.    

On the way back from Los Angeles I had a quick stop in London, alongside teammate Sarah Storey for a photo shoot with the Guardian (this should appear in May).  From here I went onto have a short family holiday which provided opportunity to have a brief rest from training and a chance for me to take stock after competition.  

Returning to the UK and it was full steam ahead with putting a plan together and getting back into training.  In between my bike rides and gym sessions I was able to fit in a few prior engagements.  First there was a photo shoot for the National Portrait Gallery, the results of which are expected to be unveiled between July and September.  Following that I had another quick trip down to London for a talk at a conference with the Royal Society of Medicine focusing on Military Rehabilitation, being an injured ex-RAF serviceman this was a fantastic opportunity for me.  Then on 10 March my Wife and I attended a Charity Ball along with my GB teammates Barney and Sarah Storey, raising money for Boot Out Breast Cancer.

Mid-March saw the GB Paralympic Cycling Team head out to Majorca for a 9 day endurance camp; this was a combination of longer road rides, gym work, and more intense hill climb efforts, marking the start of the final stages of preparation for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.    

So here it is guys! My blog, finally!