Javornik misses out on Edinburgh

Javornik wants to rest ahead of her Olympics preparation

Helena Javornik will not defend her European Cross Country Championship title in Edinburgh on Sunday.

Javornik, a surprise gold medallist in Croatia 12 months ago, says she is too tired after the 2003 season.

The Slovenian now wants to rest before preparing for next year's Olympic Games in Athens.

Last year's silver and bronze winners Russia's Galina Bogomolova and Turkey's Elva Abeylegesse will line up against twice world champion Paula Radcliffe.

Radcliffe delayed her decision to compete after surprisingly finishing only third in her leg of the Chiba International Ekiden Relay last month.

But after coming through a series of fitness tests, she has signalled her intention to run in an event she won five years ago.

"We have a very good women's team that can win the title," said Radcliffe. "I know from Manchester and London what an advantage a home crowd is."

Radcliffe will be part of a strong British team in Edinburgh on 14 December.

Jo Pavey, a finalist in this year's world 1500m final, English national cross country champion Hayley Yelling and former European Cup 3000m gold-medallist Kathy Butler are all included.

Making up the six-strong team will be Radcliffe's highly-experienced Bedford team-mate Liz Yelling and reigning Scottish cross country champion Susan Partridge.

Reigning European junior cross country champion Charlotte Dale is selected to defend her title, but her participation is subject to a fitness test.

The men's side will be led by trial winner Chris Thompson, winner of the European junior 5000m title in the summer.

Also in the team is Chris Davies, who was favourite to win the trial race. The Telford athlete dropped out with a minor ankle injury but is expected to be fit for Edinburgh.

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Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland Team:

Senior men
D Anderson (Belgrave Harriers), C Davies (Telford), B Farquharson (Mansfield Harriers), P Riley (Trafford), C Thompson (Aldershot Farnham & District) G Tromans (Coventry Godiva Harriers)

Junior men
M Ashton (Witney Road Runners/St Mary's), M Barnes-Smith (Ipswich Harriers), G Davenport (Bristol), T Humphries (Cannock & Staffs), S Jacobs (Ipswich Harriers) R McLeod (Elswick Harriers)

Senior women
K Butler (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow), S Partridge (City of Glasgow), Jo Pavey (Exeter Harriers), P Radcliffe (Bedford & County) H Yelling (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow) L Yelling (Bedford & County)

Junior women
D Barnes (Newquay & Par), C Dale (Invicta East Kent/St Mary's), F Fullerton (Havering Mayesbrook), A Hoban (Wakefield & District) L Kenney (Royal Sutton Coldfield) R Proctor (City of Norwich)