Cram coming to N.Z.

Press, 17 November 1987, Page 56

Cram coming to N.Z.

PA Wellington The top British miler, Steve Cram, will be a force to be reckoned with if he contests next year’s world cross-cquntry championships in Auckland, said the organising committee convener, Jerry Fletcher.

Mr Fletcher said he was “thrilled’’ at reports from London that Cram had confirmed he would be contesting the March event.

"I hadn't heard anything about it yet, but it’s certainly good news if it’s true." Cram, the world mile record-holder, was reported as saying he would arrive in New Zealand in February to train in summer conditions for a month before the March championships.

"I realise competition will be tough but I’d like to have a go and if I’m running well at the time I’m sure I can take the title,” Cram said.

The British cross-coun-try selectors last week announced their selection policy for the Ellerslie championships, which included leaving two places open. Mr Fletcher said although Cram had spectacular success as a track runner he had also shone over cross-country. “He's competed before and done very well. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with if he runs at Ellerslie.”

Although Cram could be in the country up to a month before the event, Mr Fletcher said it was unlikely New Zealanders would see the Briton on

the track. “The top athletes will be obviously keener on training rather than competing. But a lot like to have a five, six or eight kilometre blow-out before the championships, either on the road or over crosscountry. “They certainly won t be racing week in and week out leading up to a top international event.” The Norwegian marathoner, Ingrid Kristiansen, has confirmed she will be running at Ellerslie, and Mr Fletcher said Denmark had named a team including its top athletes. But Invitations to the I.A.A.F. championships were only sent out last week, and entries do not close until the end of December.