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IAAF Golden League Preview:
Weltklasse Zürich

Posted September 6th, 2007 at 9:55 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

The Weltklasse Zürich meet of the IAAF Golden League will be held tomorrow, September 7th, 2007 in Zürich, Switzerland. It is the first post-world championship meet and many of the Osaka stars will be competing at the new, specially-built-for-athletics Letzigrund Stadium. Meet Director Patrick Magyar explains:

“We wanted to have predominantly an athletics stadium and not a football stadium used for athletics. We still hope to have a good co-existence with the football clubs of Zurich, but we are pleased that the overall concept remains as an athletics venue.

“The physical facility has been meticulously planned for optimal performances with varying specifications for different parts of the running track and jumping runways. In addition, the generous 120-metre radius for the curves should ensure fast times in the long sprints.”

Magya also revealed that they have done away with rabbits in the middle- and long-distance races, saying, “we think athletics has suffered in recent years by athletes avoiding each other. We are trying to bring these people together in exciting duels at the highest level.”

What this means for track fans is potentially slower times, but much more exciting, tactical races, the kind of race that track and field purists expect to see. Bernard Lagat, world champion in both the 1500 and 5000 metres at Osaka who will be running in the 3000m race at Weltklasse Zürich, said of the decision, “I think it’s good to have some races without pacemakers. That way, everyone will be performing at the same level. There will always be competitions with pacers, and that’s when runners can get their national records and PBs.”

Also competing will be Yelena Isinbayeva, Michelle Perry and Sanya Richards. All three are still in contention for the $1,000,000.00 Golden League jackpot. Xavier Carter, whose kneecap popped out during the U.S. National Championships, is healthy again and will be racing in the men’s 200m Dash against Usain Bolt, the Osaka silver medalist. Tyson Gay, double world champ in the 100m and 200m Dashes, will run the 100m in Zürich. Could he set a world record?

Alan Webb, running in the men’s 1500m, will be looking to redeem himself after his lackluster performance in Osaka. He has proven that he can race with pacesetters leading the way, but he still needs to show that he can run a smart tactical race without the benefit of pacesetters. He cannot afford to run from the front like he did for much of the Osaka final. Weltklasse Zürich will be a good test for the still inexperienced (just 24 years old) athlete. Matt Tegenkamp, who had a strong 4th place finish in the men’s 5000m Run in Osaka (his first world championships) and is having the season of his life, will be competing. He is scheduled to run in the 3000m against Lagat and Moses Kipsiro, the Osaka 5000m bronze medalist. Craig Mottram, who admitted after his disappointing 12th place finish that sometihng is wrong with him physically, was scheduled to compete tomorrow but has withdrawn from the meet.

To see a delayed cable TV broadcast of the Weltklasse Zürich meet (check your local listings), tune into [Versus].
For live internet radio coverage, tune into [IAAF].
For start lists, time tables and more information about the meet, visit [Weltklasse Zürich].
Source: [Sydney Morning Herald]

Weltklasse Zürich Meet Live on Sportnet.com! | The Final Sprint (TFS) | The Internet’s Premier Running, Fitness, and Nutrition Publication said:

[…] The Weltklasse Zürich meet, part of the IAAF Golden League, will be broadcast live on Sportnet.com. There is no charge to view the event. Click here for a preview of the meet. Here are the details: […]
September 7th, 2007 at 11:30 am