IRELAND’S hopes of carrying indoor track glory onto the world cross country stage this weekend received a blow when Alistair Cragg was forced to withdraw from the world championships due to injury.

EUROPEAN gold medallist Alistair Cragg is considering an audacious attempt at the 4km and 12km titles on successive days at the World Cross-Country Championships in Saint-Etienne/Saint-Galmier next weekend.

ALISTAIR CRAGG has conquered Europe and is ready to take on the world. The new European indoor 3,000m champion plans that assault in two weeks time when he renews rivalry with the double champion, Kenenisa Bekele, at the World cross-country championships in Saint-Etienne/Saint-Galmier.

Alistair Cragg will lead Ireland’s men’s side for the forthcoming IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Saint-Galmier, on March 19 and 20.

Alistair Cragg will lead Ireland’s men’s side for the forthcoming IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Saint-Galmier, on March 19 and 20.