Altitude training has Cragg high in confidence

ALISTAIR CRAGG has made no secret of the fact that he fancies his chances in tomorrow’s SPAR European cross-country championships at Santry Demesne and his arrival yesterday added to the air of excitement that surrounds the Irish camp, situated just a stone’s throw from what is a resplendent course.

He arrived in Dublin from his altitude training camp at Mammoth Lakes, where he has been snowed in all week. “We had two feet of snow the other night and then three feet before I left,” he said. “My dog, an English bull terrier, just disappears in the snow when he goes outside.”

By last night everyone was welcoming his safe arrival. He has the talent to mix it with the best athletes in the field and his times over 3,000m (7:32.49), 5,000m (13:07.10) and 10,000m (27:39.55 – national record) match those of Mo Farrah and surpass Sergiy Lebid who are the two favourites.