By Tom Degun

DavidWeir London 2012April 25 - Britain's six-time Paralympic champion David Weir has confirmed he will compete at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Grand Prix Final in Birmingham this summer but ruled out appearing at the 2013 World Athletics Championships in Lyon.


The 33-year-old wheelchair racer from London, who stormed to four gold medals at London 2012, will be one of the main attractions at the inaugural IPC Grand Prix Final at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham when he is due to compete in the 1500 metre T53/54 race on June 29.

The event will be the seventh and final event of the brand new IPC Athletics Grand Prix series and play host to over 140 athletes competing in 18 events.

The new series of global meetings are designed in the style of the hugely successful International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Diamond League and Weir said he is looking forward to competing in the final of the event.

"The profile of Paralympic sport has really risen since London 2012 and the development of the IPC Athletics Grand Prix Series is a really positive step ensuring the momentum keeps going," he said.

"The Games last year was an amazing experience and I'm so proud that I was part of it.

"The British public are so supportive of the Paralympic Movement and it's brilliant for the sport that we have another high profile event back in Britain so soon after the Games.

"I'm really looking forward to racing at the Sainsbury's Grand Prix in Birmingham."

But Weir has also confirmed that he will not be looking to defend his three world titles in the 800, 1500 and 5,000m T54 in Lyon in July as he is looking to travel less following his heroics at London 2012.

Weir proved one of the major stars at the Paralympics where he won the 800, 1500 and 5,000m T54 as well as the marathon but admitted he wants some more rest time following the Games as he looks to achieve his long-term target of making it to Rio 2016.
 
Dave WeirDave Weir has opted to miss the 2013 IPC World Athletics Championships in Lyon after winning four gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympics

"I've decided not to travel to Lyon for the World Championships," he said.

"After a long chat with my coach I want to reduce the number of international meets I commit to.

"I can spend a long time away from home at international competitions and with a young family I'd like to reduce the amount of time I'm travelling so I can spend more time with them.

"I've looked at my race calendar for the rest of the year and identified a select number of international races that work with my programme.

"My next international meet will be in Switzerland in May when I'll compete in the marathon on June 2."

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