Baulch has just returned from warm weather training in Texas with his Nuff Respect colleagues under the tutelage of Linford Christie, and is happy with his preparation for August's Championships in Edmonton, Canada.

"The facilities in America are second to none," Baulch said. "After messing up for the World Indoor Championships I had to really focus.

"I trained really hard for nine weeks. In fact I raced over there two or three weeks ago and ran one of the fastest times I've run over 200m in about five years.

The Welshman is now gearing up for the European outdoor season to fine tune ahead of Edmonton.

"I raced on the weekend in Loughborough in the 4x100m relay but I'm going to be racing in Poland for my next meet.

Facilities

"The World Championships are very important. It's something I've focussed on and want to do well at.

"With Michael Johnson being out of the way I think that every 400m runner in the world at the moment is thinking they can take the No 1 spot - and I'm one of them."

Baulch's Nuff Respect colleagues have also reaped the benefits of Texas, with Darren Campbell in particular revelling in the facilities.

"Darren's looking awesome," Baulch added. "In fact I'd go so far as to say that he's in better shape now than he was at the Olympics (Campbell took silver in the 200m).

"I think he's going to win the World Championships this year."