Newly crowned European 10,000 metres champion Paula Radcliffe confirmed this morning she will not run the 5,000 metres at the European Championships.
Radcliffe, who smashed the European 10,000m record when beating Sonia O’Sullivan on Tuesday, said, as expected, she would not run the shorter race.
The 5,000m, in which O’Sullivan will defend the title she captured four years ago, is now expected to be run as a straight final later in the week.
Radcliffe has decided to return to her base at altitude in the Pyrenees to prepare for the Chicago marathon in October.
"Since the beginning of the year I have always said my two aims on the track for the season were the Commonwealth Games 5,000 metres and the European 10,000 metres," said Radcliffe.
"I am hoping to return tomorrow to Fort Romeau to prepare for Chicago".