Rawdon Paralympian David Stone has enjoyed a “mag-ical” few days after cycling the best race in his life to win gold for the third time.

Stone, 31, is already a double gold medal winner from the 2008 Paralympic games. And he picked up a third on Saturday as he successfully defended his mixed T1-2 road race title at Brands Hatch.

He surrendered his time-trial title on Wednesday and was disappointed with bronze. But the 31-year-old sporting star, who has cerebral palsy and rides a tricycle, believes his latest victory was his greatest achievement to date.

He said: “It was the best race of my life.

“It makes the win better as it wasn’t easy. It shows how much stronger the competition is. Compared to Beijing, the field is so much harder now. It’s good as it pushes me and makes it a better sport.”

Speaking on Twitter yesterday, David thanked well-wishers for all their support and messages, and said he had enjoyed “a magical few days”.

Among those congrat-ulating him this week was Guiseley and Rawdon ward councillor Paul Wadsworth.

He said: “Winning gold in the T1-2 road race was a fantastic achievement – and one of which I’m sure everyone in Rawdon will be extremely proud.

“The performance of all our Olympic and Paralympic competitors this summer has been an inspiration to many. When you see someone from your own town performing so well on the international stage, there really is an extra sense of pride for those of us watching at home, and it does so much to encourage young people to get involved in sport at all levels.

“I’d like to wish David all the best in his future career. I’m sure he’ll continue to compete at the highest level, and receive support and goodwill from everyone in Rawdon.”

'Incredible experience'

Jubilant scenes of celebration in the Olympic and Paralympic victory parade were described as “amazing” and “incredible” by medallists Alistair and Jonny Brownlee.
The brothers, who won gold and bronze respectively in the triathlon, admitted they were overwhelmed by the size of the crowds greeting them in London on Monday.
The pair, who grew up in Horsforth but now live in Bramhope, were among hundreds of Team GB athletes taking part in the parade, including Rawdon Paralympic cycling hero David Stone.
Alistair Brownlee said: “It’s amazing so many people were interested. The best thing for us is to see other people inspired, walking down the street and meeting people who say they want to try triathlon or give running a go.”
Jonny said: “It’s absolutely amazing. To see this many people out here is pretty incredible.”

Gold winner really delivers

Paralympic gold medallist David Stone has described his pleasure at seeing a stamp issued to mark his success.
Stamps featuring the cyclist, left, went on sale in post offices around the country on Tuesday after his  victory on Saturday. The athlete also won a bronze just days earlier.
Speaking on Twitter, Mr Stone said he was pleased his stamp had been issued.
His victory has also been marked with a gold postbox in Rawdon, below, where he now lives. Nearby Horsforth’s postbox has also been painted to mark the gold medal won by triathlete Alistair Brownlee.