Athletics: Radcliffe on track for capital

Organisers of the London Marathon yesterday predicted "fireworks" from Paula Radcliffe in next month's 25th anniversary race despite Radcliffe being beaten into second place in a New Orleans 10-kilometre road race on Saturday.

Organisers of the London Marathon yesterday predicted "fireworks" from Paula Radcliffe in next month's 25th anniversary race despite Radcliffe being beaten into second place in a New Orleans 10-kilometre road race on Saturday.

David Bedford, the London Marathon race director, said he believed Radcliffe was running into prime form for the 17 April race.

Radcliffe finished runner-up to Kenyan Isabella Ochichi in the City Crescent Classic, but the two-time London winner nevertheless produced a world-class time of 30 minutes and 45 seconds in her first competitive outing of the year.

Bedford said: "Believe me when I say we can expect fireworks next month in London."

Radcliffe is due to arrive home in Britain today.