Fearnley optimistic for London 2012 after record-breaking start to year
By Duncan Mackay
January 28 - Australia's Kurt Fearnley (pictured) is hoping that winning the Oz Day 10 kilometres wheelchair race in Sydney in a course record is a good omen for 2012.
The 30-year-old triple Paralympic champion crossed the line in 20min 24sec to finish 29 seconds ahead of Canada's Josh Cassidy, expected to be one of his main rivals in the marathon at London later this year.
It' was Fearnley's eighth consecutive win at the race in the city where his Paralympic career started 12 years with two silver medals.
"It's a nice way to start the year," he said.
"I knew my time was achievable if I got on my own and got some pace about.
"It's the launching pad of every year.
"How you approach Oz Day sets the scene for how you approach the year."
Fearnley shaved 0.08 from his previous record, set in 2008, a welcome boost coming off his last race - a disappointing second placein the New York Marathon in November after he suffered mechanical failures.
His steering snapped, forcing him to race with the brakes jammed on for more than 20 kilometres.
Before London, Fearnley's next target is the Boston Marathon on April 16, a race he has never won."The idea of trying to take one really good hit out in Boston is something that needs to be done," he said.
"Then it's full steam ahead for London [2012]."
Fearnley is chasing a third consecutive gold in the marathon at London having won in Athens in 2004 and Beijing four years ago.
There were also positive signs in the women's Oz Day race, with Australian youngster Madison de Rozario edging double Paralympic medallist and current 1500 metres world champion, Briton Shelly Woods, by a single second in 25:01.
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