Lombard tries new pastures in build-up to Athens

CATHAL LOMBARD’S build-up to the Athens Olympics starts in earnest tomorrow when he leaves for altitude training in Albuquerque.

But the Corkman insisted it’s with the European cross-country championships in mind he is making the trip to New Mexico.

He has just come off a phenomenal season that saw him post his qualifying standard at 5000m for next year’s Olympic Games - becoming just one of eight Irish athletes to have qualified at this stage - and make it to the world championships in Paris.