PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012: Stone produces 'race of his life' to defend road title title

By Sportsbeat staff, London 2012

DAVID Stone rode what he called the 'race of his life' to successfully defend his Paralympic cycling road race title at Brands Hatch.

Great Britain finish these Games top of the cycling medal table with 22 medals – eight gold, nine silver and five bronze – compared to 20 four years ago in Beijing, when there were more track events.

Stone, frustrated at losing his time trial crown when he took bronze, beat Italy's Giorgio Farroni by seven seconds after a closely-fought battle.

After attacking several times on the third and final lap of the famous motor racing circuit, only for Farroni to catch up again, Stone finally broke free towards the finish. 

“It was the best race of my life. It makes the win better as it wasn’t easy,” said the 31-year old, who is now looking to a third Games in Rio.

“It shows how much stronger the competition is. Compared to Beijing, the field is so much harder now. It’s good, it pushes me, it makes it a much better sport.” 

© Sportsbeat 2012