Athletics: Welsh gear up for city challenge

Jan 5 2008 by Bob Cypher, South Wales Echo

THE 2008 indoor athletics season hots up later this month when this year’s Indoor City Challenge begins.

But Welsh athletics fans will have to wait until February 2 for the second semi-final which takes place at Uwic’s National Indoor Athletics Centre in Cardiff.

Although still in its infancy – the first ICC was launched in 2005 – the series has become a very useful preparation event ahead of the year’s major indoor events, the AAAs in Sheffield, the Norwich Union Grand Prix in Birmingham and the 12th World Indoor Championships in Valencia, Spain, early in March and has seen Welsh internationals like Commonwealth Games silver medallist Julie Crane and Scott Simpson in action.

Peter Stafford, Welsh Athletics’ Competitions co-ordinator, has the experience and knowledge to guide athletes towards victory at this year’s Indoor City Challenge (ICC).

As athletes across Wales schedule this year’s event into their winter calendar Stafford is also planning this year’s quest for the title.

He said: “We are lucky in Cardiff to have the indoor centre and it brings the athletes together on a regular basis so there is already a team spirit formed. I plan to put the disappointment of last year’s competition behind us and qualify for the final.”

The Indoor City Challenge 2008 will take place across three dates. Semi-final 1 will be held at SportCity in Manchester on January 27, semi-final 2 will take place on February 2 at Uwic, while the final, in which the top three teams from each semi-final and the two best runners-up will compete, will be held at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport on February 17.

Paul Aldridge, ICC co-ordinator, believes in the value of the ICC’s calendar timing, saying: “The 2008 ICC is gathering momentum and support, at the moment athletes and their coaches will be implementing their winter training plans and looking ahead to the indoor season.

“I’m confident that the majority will recognise the ICC as the perfect stepping stone for qualifying marks and also to fulfil their competitions needs for the forthcoming indoor and outdoor seasons.”

Spectator entry is free at all the venues. For venue information visit www.ukathletics.net

bob.cypher@mediawales.co.uk