PARALYMPIC star Kurt Fearnley's bid for a new course record in his final marathon of the year has been ended in the cruellest fashion by a mechanical failure which saw him race for more than 20km with his brake on.

Fearnley, who will chase gold in the endurance event at next year's Paralympics, was shattered when his steering cable snapped in the dying stages of the New York Marathon.

Despite the problem, which saw his speed dramatically reduced, Fearnley finished second to eventual winner, Japan's Soejima Masazumi (1hr 31min 41sec)

"Proud & Happy for Soe! He's a worthy winner! Worst thing about breaking my steering at 19K.  Having the brakes jammed on for the next 23,'' Fearnley tweeted.

"No steering at all.... Brakes on...... Hardest day racing ever.''

Fearnley said he had believed he was on course for a new record in the race thanks to his form in the lead-up which saw him dominate both the Sydney and Chicago marathons.

"Shattered, absolutely shattered,'' he said. "I came here pushing quicker than I ever have before so to have things affected by my steering and not my arms is pretty disappointing.''

It was a disappointing finish to what was otherwise a stellar year for Fearnley who started 2011 with the world championship title to his name.

Fearnley's main goal in 2012 is to secure a third straight gold medal in the London Paralympics.

Source: Herald Sun November 7, 2011.