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DSE - Sports
Genius Joel!
By Sarah Marl
On Sunday 13th April, the Flora London Wheelchair Marathon proved again that it is one of the best road races in the world. The elite race, organised by DSE, was the most competitive we have seen in years and included the amazing talent of frenchman Joel Jeannot.
Jeannot was fresh from his win and course record in Paris the previous Sunday. With him came an excellent team of french racers, who are regulars on the London circuit. Amongst them, Denis Lemeunier- winner in 2001.
The male british racers were not out of the picture with previous winners David Weir (2002) and Kevin Papworth (2000) joining the favourites.
Even the womens race was a tough one this year, with 7 starters. Amoungst them was first timer Italian Francesca Porcellato. Tanni Grey-Thompson was glad to get the competition at last as Francesca is a reknowned strong athlete. Other contenders were Deborah Brennan, Paula Craig and Rachel Potter.
The weather was ideal for racing and Jeannot was fantastic from start to finish. He is respected for his lead-taking in races and his speed helped to increase everyones time. Without Heinz Frei, he had to make the advance from Weir and Lemeunier himself at half way point, but did so with style. It was easy to see why he is envied across the world.
The course record always looked in contention, but Joel came in 1.32.02- knocking three minutes off the old time. The fight for second was between Weir and Lemeunier. They both came round the Mall together, but Weir's speed allowed him to claim 2nd in 1.34.38 and Lemeunier in 1.34.50.
In the women's race, Porcellato proved that she has the edge over Tanni in long distances, coming in 2.04.21. Tanni followed with 2.04.54. Paula Craig was the most amazing story with a personal best improvement of 40 minutes! Paula claimed third prize with 2.06.54.
We would like to thank the athletes, who came from all over the world, including Barbados, Australia, Thailand and Singapore. The event was a great success and the date is provisionally booked for next year as 18th April 2004.
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