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Raise Your Game: How did you first get involved in cycling?

David Stone: I started cycling when I was eight-years-old. Initially I had to ride a bike with stabilisers. That was seen as un-cool and so I practiced and practiced until I could ride a normal bike.

RYG: What has cycling given you?

DS: Cycling has given me a range of things. At a younger age, and as a disabled person growing up, you come across lots of obstacles. Cycling gave me an outlet, something to get rid of all those frustrations. I was almost normal on a bicycle. It was my freedom and enjoyment.

RYG: How did you get involved with the Great Britain team?

DS: I went away on a touring holiday and someone noticed that I was quite good and suggested I have a go at racing. So at 15 years of age, I rode in a disabled race and the manager then of Great Britain picked me up. Ever since they've wanted me to ride for them.

RYG: Did you ever dream that one day you would be picking up medals?

DS: I dreamed from day one. It only became a realistic dream four years ago when I decided to really dedicate myself to cycling. It was an amazing feeling to realise that you have achieved your ultimate dream.

RYG: How do you manage your time travelling back and forth for training and competing?

DS: In 2008 I felt as if I knew every airport in the world! I was in and out of the country almost every month, which can be hard work. But when you love something and you are dedicated to it, you just enjoy doing it.

RYG: What is it that you love about cycling?

DS: I love pushing myself to the absolute limit. It's about pushing the body, the mind, and experiencing new pain barriers. I am a very competitive person and I love beating people.

RYG: Do you have any other interests?

DS: Just after the Beijing Paralympics, I took up snooker again. I am very competitive, but it's much calmer competing which is nice.

RYG: What are the wider skills that cycling has given you?

DS: Cycling has given me as a person, and as a disabled person, confidence. It's the self-belief and knowing that I am really good at something. My disability is very physical and cycling is very physical. Cycling helps me to work on my body and my fitness.

RYG: When you were out in Beijing at the Paralympics, and the eyes of the world were watching you and the hopes of the nation on your shoulders, how did you cope with that?

DS: I guess I realised that I was only answerable to myself. I kept saying to myself, when I was going out to Beijing, that 'I have done everything I possibly can to be in with a chance of winning this race and that there is no more that I could have done.'