Preparing to go wheel-to-wheel with the world's best

Zissman, who was paralysed from the waist down after being hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2010, will take to the start line for the Prudential RideLondon Handcycle Classic on Sunday, August 2.

It will not be the first time the 26-year-old has taken part having raced the fast, flat circuit around St James' Park two years ago.

But with the course since changing to start in Kingston before weaving all the way to The Mall in central London, former Barr Beacon School pupil Zissman is facing a different challenge this time around.

But buoyed by his experiences at last year's inaugural Invictus Games for wounded, injured and sick service personnel, Zissman is feeling confident.

"I am looking forward to it and seeing how well the training has paid off. I know most of the people from the UK sides who will be competing," said Zissman, who was introduced to hand cycling through Help for Heroes. "It's a big event to ride.

"When I did the ride before it was part of a loop circuit around central London whereas this is a longer route so there's going to be more to see.

"I missed last year's as I had just got married and was on honeymoon, but I'm looking forward to returning this time around.

"The sport is brilliant, it's good to open people's eyes to what people can do despite their injuries.

"Being part of the Invictus Games was an amazing experience.

"It came together so well and I got the chance to watch other sports too like wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.

"I'd never seen those in competition before.

"When I'm on the bike, it wipes the slate clean and I am just me cycling against other people.

"It's just a massive social opportunity too and a lot of fun."

Prudential RideLondon takes place on 1-2 August 2015. Prudential is proud to support people's ambitions. Visit www.pru.co.uk