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| Friday, 5 April, 2002, 14:31 GMT 15:31 UK London's wheelchair contenders Lemeunir (right) leads the French contingent once again London Wheelchair Marathon - 14 April 0915 BST Some of the world's best wheelchair athletes will be in action to guarantee a thrilling race at this year's London Wheelchair Marathon. Here are some of the main contenders: 1 Denis Lemeunier (FRA) Last year's winner will certainly be up there with the leaders, but will have to hold off a particularly strong field, including many of his countrymen. With a marathon best of one hour 35 minutes, he knows there are several competitors with faster times. The 37-year-old uses a Top End racing chair. 50 Pierre Fairbank (FRA)
With a marathon best of 1:29:26, he is clearly the fastest in the field. But the 29-year-old is a first time entrant to the event and that could count against him. 2 Chris Madden (GBR) Known as the "hard man" of wheelchair racing, Madden will be no pushover at this year's event. His personal best of 1:35:00 is third fastest on the start line and should be enough to guarantee him a good chance. The 36-year-old, who finished fifth last year for his highest placing, uses a Draft racing chair. 70 Tanni Grey-Thompson (GBR) The eight-time Olympic gold medallist has won her fair share of honours over the past few years and will always be one to watch in the women's race. But the 32-year-old, who notched up her fifth victory in London in 2001, has a new member of the family to consider this year. Grey-Thompson only gave birth to Carys Oliver in February, but was back in training soon after and hopes to put in a solid display. 72 Michelle Lewis (GBR) At 19, Lewis is one of the younger competitors in the women's race, but has already revealed herself as a talented athlete. The Briton, who became the youngest MBE for sixty years after raising �1.3m for numerous charities, won the Mini Wheelchair Marathon in 1999 and 2000. She should complete the full distance inside 2:30:00 and her targets are to compete in the Paralympics in 2004. |
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