By Tom Degun

Peter_Eriksson_Jan_7January 7 - Peter Eriksson (pictured), the UK Athletics' Paralympics head coach and team leader, has warned that his team have no excuse for poor performances at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships.


The team have arrived at their state-of-the-art holding camp at the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health in Auckland where they will be based for two weeks before heading to Christchurch.

Eriksson will be hoping to see his team repeat their performance of four years ago in Assen, the Netherlands, where they finished fifth with a haul of 27 medals, including nine gold, nine silver and nine bronze.

He is expecting to see everyone perform at their best with the London 2012 Paralympics edging ever closer.

"This is the only major senior Paralympic event before London 2012 and it will set our guidelines," said Eriksson, one of the world's most decorated Paralympic coaches.

"We've selected a team we believe in and one which can be successful in 2011 and 2012.

"Almost half of the guys are new to the set-up so it will be a hugely positive learning experience.

"We'll have no excuses out here.

"We're expecting a professional attitude from everyone.

"We all know it can get tough at times but if things don't work out we've got time to make changes for 2012.

"It's time for us to give something back to our sponsors and all of those who have shown faith in us."

Stephen Miller throwing clubThe British team features 40 athletes, including defending champions David Weir, Stephen Miller (pictured), Bev Jones and Dan Greaves.

Eriksson said the training camp in Auckland will provide the perfect preparation.

"I think that everyone is excited to be here in New Zealand," he said.

"The climate is great and it's the optimum training facility.

"Everything is in close proximity, it's very accessible and it's the best training facility in the country.

"The staff here have really welcomed us and have done everything they could to prepare for our arrival.

"The mood in the camp is really good.

"We've seen a real shift in the team concept and we're growing into one team who work together and will support one another in training and in competition.

"It's a long process and it won't change overnight, but we're really starting to see some positive changes.

"The fact that we're preparing together here gives us a chance to perform to our best in Christchurch."

The Championships get under way on January 21.

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