London's wheelchair contenders

Lemeunir (right) leads the French contingent once again

London Wheelchair Marathon - 14 April 0915 BST

Some of the world's best wheelchair athletes will be in action to guarantee a thrilling race at this year's London Wheelchair Marathon.

Here are some of the main contenders:

1 Denis Lemeunier (FRA)

Last year's winner will certainly be up there with the leaders, but will have to hold off a particularly strong field, including many of his countrymen.

With a marathon best of one hour 35 minutes, he knows there are several competitors with faster times.

The 37-year-old uses a Top End racing chair.

50 Pierre Fairbank (FRA)

Grey-Thompson always has a chance in London

Another Frenchman, Fairbank has an excellent chance of winning, despite his inexperience on the course.

With a marathon best of 1:29:26, he is clearly the fastest in the field.

But the 29-year-old is a first time entrant to the event and that could count against him.

2 Chris Madden (GBR)

Known as the "hard man" of wheelchair racing, Madden will be no pushover at this year's event.

His personal best of 1:35:00 is third fastest on the start line and should be enough to guarantee him a good chance.

The 36-year-old, who finished fifth last year for his highest placing, uses a Draft racing chair.

70 Tanni Grey-Thompson (GBR)

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist has won her fair share of honours over the past few years and will always be one to watch in the women's race.

But the 32-year-old, who notched up her fifth victory in London in 2001, has a new member of the family to consider this year.

Grey-Thompson only gave birth to Carys Oliver in February, but was back in training soon after and hopes to put in a solid display.

72 Michelle Lewis (GBR)

At 19, Lewis is one of the younger competitors in the women's race, but has already revealed herself as a talented athlete.

The Briton, who became the youngest MBE for sixty years after raising £1.3m for numerous charities, won the Mini Wheelchair Marathon in 1999 and 2000.

She should complete the full distance inside 2:30:00 and her targets are to compete in the Paralympics in 2004.