Invictus 2017: British Cyclists Hard At Work As Games Near
Team UK cyclists are fine-tuning their training as can be seen in this footage - as the countdown to the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto gets ever shorter.
The British cyclists have been putting themselves through their paces at a training camp near Derby.
There's now just over a month to go before the 90-strong British contingent flies out to Canada.
Our reporter Cath Brazier has been to catch up with the team's cyclists at Darley Moor Race Circuit - just click above to watch.
One of the athletes she met was veteran Army Corporal Dave Sandles, who has lived with a spinal cord injury for 22 years.
He's returning to the Games after competing in cycling last year, although this time he's added rowing to his repertoire.
The 51-year-old's been involved with Invictus since the beginning, coming on board as an archery coach in 2014, then being persuaded to compete in Orlando last year.
Cycling is often seen as an individual sport but here the teamwork, behind the scenes in training and preparation is crucial.
The Invictus training camps are run by the best in the business - and the athletes clearly impressed by the vast improvement in their physical strength and ability. Dave said:
"I think there's been a longer training period this time around. We had a little bit of training, then a selection process down at Bath University, and then we've had four or five months [of] concentrated training with a proper, set training programme from British Cycling to be able to follow... I think we're all better prepared."
Mike Westwell was also part of the UK team in Florida.
A former sergeant, he suffered a neck injury while serving with the RAF. He's gone on to become a PE teacher. He said:
"I've always been into sport. I now teach PE, and I try to encourage as many kids as I can to get into cycling. It's something that's really accessible and good for your health."
Cycling is one of 11 sports being showcased at the 2017 Games.
And with just four weeks of training left before they compete, it's all hands to the pump as they look to reach their peak in Toronto.
More: Invictus Games Flame Lands At Centre That Saved Wounded Soldiers
Join Our Newsletter
