CONTROVERSIAL new rules governing the distance races at the Spar European Team Championships in Portugal at the weekend sparked widespread criticism and Morpeth Harrier Nick McCormick found himself caught up in it in the Men's 3000m on Sunday.
The new rules allow judges to withdraw athletes in turn, should they cross the finish line last with five, then four, then three laps remaining.
This resulted in all 12 competing athletes grouping together as they came down the finishing straight
with five laps remaining, and McCormick, competing for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was fortunate to escape as he was bumped to the outside, and it was a Frenchman who exited.
When the field, now down to 11, came round with four laps remaining, there was a cavalry charge for the line, and again McCormick just managed to escape as the athletes from the Czech Republic and Sweden took hefty tumbles, which resulted in the latter being excluded.
With three laps remaining the field were much more spread out and McCormick was in fifth place. He kept in contact with the leaders, and with two laps remaining had moved into fourth.
At the bell, McCormick moved into second place, and looked a serious challenger for victory.
With 200m remaining, he began to kick for home, however the aptly named Espana of Spain was also intent on glory, and with 100m left went clear for victory.
McCormick was not going to give in without a fight and it was only in the final 40 metres that he was passed by the athletes from Russia and Italy for the minor placings. His time of 8m03.45s was a little disappointing.
