Bekele in a new record bid

Ethiopian track star Kenenisa Bekele is almost certain to make an attempt on his 5,000 metres world record at the IAAF Golden League meeting in Paris.

The holder of the 5,000m and 10,000m long distance titles is set to compete on French soil for the second time this year, after scoring a fourth successive World Cross Country long and short course double in St Galmier three months ago.

The 23-year-old said: “My goal for this season is to run fast times at 5,000 and 10,000 metres. Hopefully that will lead to a world record.”

The Stade de France has sold out its 70,000 seats for the opening Golden League fixture of the season as the French look to boost their nation’s profile before the International Olympic Committee nominates the 2012 host city next Wednesday.

Another highlight of the Gaz-de-France classic will be the 110 metres hurdles, featuring Allen Johnson, the fastest-man in the world this year, facing Olympic champion Liu Xinag.