Robert Heffernan last night blasted reports that Olympic silver medallist and former world race walking champion, Paco Fernandez, was looking after the Irish race walkers at a training camp in Guadix ahead of the Olympic Games.

THE introduction of a two year-cycle for the European Championships was originally met with scepticism, particularly as it means an extra event in Olympic year but Joanne Cuddihy is one athlete who welcomes the decision.