BRITAIN'S most successful cyclist in the last 18 months hasn't been Rob Hayles, Bradley Wiggins or even Chris Hoy, but former Scottish actuary Aileen McGlynn.

Since bursting onto the international scene at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, McGlynn has enjoyed victory after victory. And it will be a surprise if her glory run doesn't continue this week at the VisaParalympic World Cup in Manchester.

Golden girl McGlynn and tandem partner Ellen Hunter are entered for two events and are favourites for two more titles.

"Since last year I've become a full-time athlete so I think I'm a lot fitter," said the 32-year-old.

"I actually thought I'd have a lot more free time after giving up work but I always seem to be doing something.

"I'm able to relax a bit more but I'm also training twice a day instead of only once.

"It's been a great year especially winning five gold medals and setting a world record. Hopefully, this year will be just as good," added McGlynn, awarded an MBE for her services to the sport.

Racing

"I'm looking forward to racing against the Aussies again but I'm sure there will be a few people coming out of the woodwork like Ellen and I did in Athens.

"No-one knew about us and we actually surprised ourselves by how fast we went.

"This time it will be great if we can beat the Aussies and better our own world record of 1 min 11.16 seconds for the 1,000m."

McGlynn has been cycling since she was eight. But it wasn't until a decade later she told members of her cycling club she was registered blind.

"I didn't want that to stop me being able to get out on my bike. The success is nice but that isn't my prime motivation.

"I love cycling and I have done so for as long as I can remember."

McGlynn hopes to defend her Paralympic titles in Beijing in 2008. And she'd love to still be racing at London in 2012.

"Everybody is improving and an event like the Visa World Cup has attracted more people into the sport. The competition is greater so it's harder to stay at the top," she said.

Cycling is one of four sports in the World Cup.

It takes place at the National Cycling Centre, Sportcity on Thursday. Tickets are available on 0870 165 2005 or from www.visaparalympicworldcup.com.