Winner Pavey is up for the cup

May 22 2007 By David Martin, The Journal

Jo Pavey had good news for the British selectors after winning Sunday's BUPA Great Manchester Run when announcing she wants to compete in next month's European Cup.

Although her top focus at the moment is gaining the 10,000m qualifying standard for August's World Championships, Pavey is also adamant she wants to compete for the Norwich Union GB side in Finland.

The meeting on June 23-24 is the weekend before Pavey bids to get the Osaka qualifier at the British trial race in Watford.

Pavey said: "Getting the time is my top priority as I really want to run the distance at the Worlds. But I also feel an obligation to compete at the European Cup.

"I really do like representing my country and the Cup means a lot to me, particularly this year as we will be trying to gain promotion back to the top division.

"It was disappointing to be relegated last summer and it would be great to help the team to get back at the first attempt."

Pavey, winner of the Super League 5,000m in Malaga last June, is planning to ask the selectors if she can run over 3,000m in Vaasa rather than the longer distance.

"It will be easier on my legs and not tighten my calves so much, so I'm hoping that is what they will pick me for," said last year's Commonwealth 5,000m silver medallist.

A bout of flu wrecked Pavey's hopes of winning the European Indoor 3,000m title in March and she was buoyed by her Manchester victory.

The 33-year-old Exeter Harrier, who eventually hopes to step up to the marathon, ran an almost perfect race to win over 10km in a personal best 31min 47secs.

Pavey said: "The win did a lot for my confidence after what happened at the indoors and in Italy and showed my summer preparations are back on track after the setbacks.

"I really do like road running and the strength I get from the training involved is great.

"But now I have to concentrate on my track preparations although later in the year I intend returning to the roads."

UK Athletics performance director Dave Collins welcomed Pavey's decision, saying: "She's a fantastic and professional athlete."