Hug last year prevented Weir from surpassing Tanni Grey-Thompson as the most successful wheelchair racer in the London Marathon's history, finishing one second clear in 1 hour 32min 41sec to claim his first victory in the event.

The Swiss athlete claimed victory earlier in the week at the Boston Marathon but believes the cold and wet conditions at the race has made recovery harder, while Weir hopes his break from competition could prove decisive at the annual event, which this year is also doubling as the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championships.

"I should be a little bit fresher than the other guys, but they are professional athletes and they know their bodies,” Weir said.

"They wouldn’t do two marathons if they knew the first would compromise the second one.

"It’s the World Championship marathon as well so you know they are going to be strong."

Weir, who earned four golds in front of a home crowd at the London 2012 Paralympics, admitted he struggled for motivation following his exploits at the Games, but believes the additional prize money being offered for wheelchair racers has provided an added incentive for the athletes.

It follows a prize boost of $16,250 (£10,600/€14,500) at the London Marathon, which has resulted in $20,000 (£13,000/€18,000) being available for the winners of the men's and women's races.

Additionally the Abbott World Marathon Majors announced that from 2016 a new series for wheelchair athletes would run alongside the existing competition for runners, taking in six major races and offering a men and women's prize of $50,000 (£33,000/€46,000) for the winner.

America's three-time Paralympic gold medallist Tatyana McFadden, targeting her third consecutive victory in London having broken the course record in 2013 and 2014, echoed Weir's thoughts regarding the improved prize money.

She claimed news of the World Marathon Majors series was "phenomenal" for the sport.

"It definitely is amazing news and I think the world is catching on," said McFadden, winner of a Winter Paralympic silver medal in the sitting cross-country skiing at Sochi 2014. 

"I think it will step up the game in wheelchair racing, it has advanced so much in these past years.

"It will make a big difference for us, it’s a really expensive sport.

"To not have the support or the funding you can’t really rise to the top and I think you would see athletes drop out."

Related stories
April 2015: McFadden dedicates third consecutive Boston Marathon victory to eight-year-old victim of 2013 bombing
April 2015:  World Marathon Majors launch series for wheelchair racers
February 2015:  Weir set for showdown with arch-rival Hug in World Championship race at London Marathon
October 2014: Decision to move World Championship marathons from Doha to London nothing to do with heat, claims IPC
April 2014: McFadden takes women's wheelchair London Marathon title just weeks after Sochi success