Radcliffe's inclusion hits Irish hopes

Athletics Cross Country Hopes of Irish glory at next weekend's European cross country championships have taken a major hit with the confirmation that Paula Radcliffe will be on the start line for the women's race.

Until yesterday the British world marathon record holder was still uncertain about travelling to Edinburgh for the event because of concerns about her fitness, but a series of tests this week have proven she is right back to her best.

It means Sonia O'Sullivan now has the toughest of races on her hands in her quest to land the individual title. It's bad news, too, for the Irish team, which includes a fast-improving Catherina McKiernan, as Radcliffe's inclusion has significantly strengthened the British chances of claiming the team title.

Radcliffe won the European event five years ago and since then has twice taken the world cross country title. While she was always eager to run in front of a home crowd on December 14th, a surprisingly poor third-place finish in her leg of the Ekiden relay in Japan last month had forced her to reconsider her plans. Now confident that the drop in form is behind her, Radcliffe yesterday committed herself to the event.

"I'm very much looking forward to running now," she said. "And I know from the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and the London marathon what an advantage a home crowd is. I believe too we have a very good women's team that can win the title."

With such experienced runners as Jo Pavey, Cathy Butler and Hayley Yelling also in the British team, all the Irish will now need to be at their absolute best if they are to triumph in the team race.

Along with O'Sullivan and McKiernan, Rosemary Ryan and Ann Keenan Buckley are the likely scorers. But with the home crowd at Holyrood Park behind them the British look like formidable opposition.

O'Sullivan was due to arrive back at her London base from Australia last night, and will spend the week carrying out the slight re-acclimatisation before travelling to Scotland next Saturday.

McKiernan has also dismissed any lingering doubts about her participation, so at least the Irish remain at full strength. They will need to stay that way if they are to get close to the British.