Baddeley is looking for race simulation in France

Middle distance runner Andy Baddeley has explained his decision behind switching distances again for this month's Spar European cup in France.

The 25-year-old will run in the 3,000m at Annecy rather than the 1,500m he hopes to compete in at the Olympics.

He told BBC London 94.9: "They're often run slowly and tactically so in terms of practice it's better simulation."

Baddeley broke the three minute 50 second barrier when he won the Dream Mile in Oslo last Friday.

The Harrow runner is confident he and the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team can succeed in France.

"It's been a while since a British team were champions in the European cup but I think we're definitely fielding a really strong and young team and individually I'd like to go out there and win it," he said.

He did however issue a note of caution: "The French and the Spanish are usually strong, especially in the distance races."

Baddeley has already achieved the Olympic A qualifying standard for Beijing but will have to finish in the top two at the trials in Birmingham in July or rely on the discretionary pick of the selectors.