Hand cyclist's dream is on track

NATASHA MARTIN/Timaru Herald

GOLDEN GLOW: Timaru hand cyclist Jono Nelson shows off his two gold medals from the Paralympics New Zealand national championships in Wellington at the weekend.

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Jono Nelson's Paralympic dreams seem to be right on track.

The Timaru hand cyclist recorded two personal bests in picking up two gold medals at the Paralympics New Zealand national championships in Wellington over the weekend.

Nelson won the 10 kilometre time trial, beating his previous best time by 15 seconds and won the 30km road race, smashing his previous best time by five minutes, courtesy of his new bike.

Although there were only five hand cyclists competing, the win was made even sweeter because it was done in front of the national selectors.

"I should hear in the next couple of weeks what they thought of me."

It is the 10km time trial which Nelson has pinned his hopes to represent New Zealand at the 2012 Paralympics in London.

He said his new hand cycle, which was donated to him by generous Timaruvians last month, was a major factor in his improved times.

"Every time I get on it I seem to be getting faster."

He now hoped to head off to the world championships in Colombia next year, but first must qualify by gaining qualifying times in the two disciplines at two World Cup meetings early next year.

- © Fairfax NZ News