Jamie's solo silver

JAMIE BICHARD (pictured) had to make do with the silver medal in the 5km time trial after controversial scenes at the Special Olympics National Summer Games.

After qualifying for the top division at the Abbey Park track in Leicester, the Sarnian overcame a nasty headwind down the back straight to set a time of 10min. 6sec.

However, an Eastern Region competitor, who was partnered on a tandem by a cyclist without a learning disability, took gold.

According to Bichard's coach Matt Mason, in previous Special Olympics Games tandems competed in their own division.

After some discussion with the race director, the result stood because of the rules concerning the qualifying process.

'It was the way it worked, but we didn't make too much out of it,' said Mason.

'Jamie did really well and it was pretty windy. Over the years I've been coming to the Special Olympics, cycling has been become more and more serious.

'There are some good cyclists here.'