Paula at the Pre Classic (photo: Mario Lovato)
5th June 2005
After having a rough ride in the 1500m at the Prefontaine Classic last weekend, Paula Radcliffe is keen to get back on track and in doing so will hopefully help the British women's team to re-enter the Super League of the European Cup.
Speaking in Eugene, Oregon, after racing on Sunday, Paula said, "Given how it went here, I hope I'll be in shape to run a decent 5,000m in the European Cup. I've got to ring the selectors and let them know how I went, but I want to do it."
A large collision in the women's 1500m at the Pre Classic saw several of the pre-race favourites crash to the ground. Whilst some withdrew from the race, Paula picked herself back up and tried to rejoin the pack as best she could. Finishing in a creditable time of 4:13.13 (considering the fall), Paula was clearly disappointed with what happened.
"I was hoping to get a PB here, and possibly run 4:03 or 4:04. Everything was going all right after a fast first lap," said Paula. "I thought I had missed [the collision] and would be all right, but then I found myself sprawling. I immediately jumped up and started chasing the pack. This was my first chance for a long time to run a 1500m and I ended up on the floor. I'm still kicking myself."
Last year, the British women's team went out of the European Cup Super League, despite a fine showing from Paula in the 5000m. A similar display from Paula this year will hopefully see the team back in to the Super League.
"It's only a couple of weeks away so I need to go back and put in some good training," added Paula. "I was always going to do it if I was in shape."
The European Cup takes place on the 18-19th June.
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