Disappointment for Ireland as injury forces Cragg out

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.

Euro indoors kingpin Cragg was set to lead the Irish team in France at the World Cross Country Championships in Saint-Etienne/Saint-Galmier.

A pinched nerve in his back, however, has forced his withdrawal from both the 4km individual race on Saturday and the 12km team race 24 hours later. Irish team manager Patsy McGonagle said it was unlikely that a replacement will be named.