PAUL Blake is gearing up for a pivotal form marker in Barcelona this month as he sets his sights on the Paralympic Games in Rio.

The 2012 Paralympic silver medallist and three-time world champion has been training hard over the winter taking in the contrasting climates of the United Arab Emirates and Canada along the way and Blake feels in top form.

He told Echosport: “I’m in really good shape. I’m in PB (personal best) shape.

“I am in just as good as shape than I was then (London Olympics) and I feel stronger than last year.

“I went to Dubai in March and then off to Winnipeg which was meant to be warm weather but it was down to -20 degrees, you really can’t call that warm weather.

“It was a really good stint of training and it has set me up well for the coming outdoor season.”

It is a busy summer ahead for the Dorchester-born athlete with competitions in Spain and back here in the United Kingdom before he faces the selection committee late in June.

“I’m going to Spain to run a 400m race,” he explained. “I’ll be back to race a few meeting so I can get race fit for the bigger picture, which is Rio.

“It’s coming round really quick but it is exciting.

“I’m not really that nervous at the moment, because I have other events. But it is in the back of my mind.

“Don’t get me wrong I will get nervous before selection but I have already ran the selection time for Rio which is really good.

Before then, he will looking to hone his form so he is in pole position for a spot on the team.

He added: “I want to run two minutes five seconds for my 800 metres and I really don’t know what I am going to run in the 400m.

“Anywhere around PB form, I will be happy with.

“If I run a bit slower than that then I will be a bit miffed.”

Having won the World Championship title last year, many would expect the 26-year-old to be favourite for his event, however Blake is not so sure.

“Anything can happen in a paralympic year.

“You don’t really know who is going to come forward and smash out a time.

“You have China and Russia who smash out athletes right before the Games who no-one has ever heard of.

“It’s really annoying, but it’s all part of the sport but I’m really looking forward to it.

With Blake having the selection time needed to qualify, all he needs is to show his form and stay injury-free to earn a spot on the plane to Rio.

However he is on his guard from up-and-coming athletes from all over the globe.

“There is no-one in the UK (who can push me) but there are a few Australians in the 400m and the 800m which is going to be interesting.

“But there’s nothing I need to worry about.

“I’m hoping to race against the best in Barcelona because it make me run quicker.

“The main goal is to finish in the top three or to win it.

“I just don’t want to get injured, and if I do,” he pauses, “C’est la vie.”