The six-time Paralympic gold medallist had planned to race in the USA after competing at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha

Illness has forced David Weir to withdraw from Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon.

The six-time Paralympic gold medallist had planned to race the 26.2-mile event after competing at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, where he has claimed T54 1500m silver and finished seventh in the 5000m.

“I m really disappointed not to be able to race at the New York Marathon,” said Weir, who was victorious at the event in 2010 and is a six-time London Marathon winner. “I have been suffering the effects of a virus, which significantly hampered my preparations for the 5000m final in Doha.

“However, wearing the British vest is something I do with pride, and I wanted to give it my all despite the way I had been feeling in the build-up and indeed during the race.

“I m now going to take a bit of time off before getting another strong winter season under my belt, which will put me in the best possible position to challenge for the medals in Rio next year.

“The training and speeds that I have got up to on the track has shown that I am in great shape and I am confident that I will be in the mix for medals come Rio and London in 2017.”

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