Blind sportsman Steve Cunningham has been forced to postpone an attempt to become the fastest blind man on earth.

Steve, 35, of Banbury, planned to go to California this summer to beat the current record of 135mph but withdrew at the 11th hour due to wet ground conditions.

"The ground on the salt flats was just too soft and not condusive to the speed I wanted to do," said Steve, who drives with the help of a sighted navigator.

"It was disappointing, but I'm going to give it another go next year at an Air Force base where the ground is basically baked mud."

Steve plans to continue practising at Weston-on-the-Green airfield, near Bicester, in preparation for his renewed effort next summer. But his immediate attentions are focused on the blind football World Cup, where he represents England in Sao Paulo, Brazil, next month.

"I've been training hard at the gym and with Banbury United for the tournament and I've had my flight to Brazil sponsored," said Steve, who plays as a striker.

England qualified for the eight-team tournament which uses a ball containing a bell by finishing third in the 1994 European Champion- ships.

"We are quietly optimistic of doing well and hopefully I'll be able to score some goals," added Steve.

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