Colin Jackson set the ball rolling in the 110 metres hurdles as Great Britain's men's team won the Spar European Cup for the fifth time on Sunday after a storming display on the second day.

The Welshman, who last competed in the competition when winning in 1998, chalked up his fifth Cup victory in 13.15 seconds - his fastest time for two years.

Jackson, who plans to retire after Birmingham hosts next March's world indoor championships, said: "It's nice to come and perform like that and it's nice to finish my European Cup career with a win.

"It was quite important that myself, Jonathan Edwards and Steve Backley performed well for the lads to get us to the World Cup."

The world record-holder did it in style, ignoring a false start and then the lightning start of runner-up Mike Fenner, he roared past the German at the half distance for a lead he never relinquished.

"I had to hold myself back (after the false start) and didn't get out as dynamically as I should have," Jackson added.

"But I was hurdling quite nicely, keeping my rhythm and keeping the continuity and flow over the hurdles.

He now faces the cream of world hurdling in Sheffield next weekend.

The 35-year-old Welsh wizard's win put Britain at the head of the team ladder for the first time - but they did lose it again to host nation France at the Parc des Sports stadium in Annecy.

However, strong displays from the rest of the Britsh team saw them eventually finish four points clear and qualify along with Germany for the World Cup in Madrid in September.

Briatin finished off in style with individual 400m winner Daniel Caines anchoring the 4x400m team to victory in the final event - after Jackson's fellow Welshman Jamie Baulch had run a fin leg - to grab Britain's fourth win of the day.

There was more good news with the British women, who were in the relegation positions for most of their competition, also winning the 4x400m relay to secure their status, with Wales' Catherine Murphy looking in fine form.

Russia and Germany took the first two places to progress to the women's World Cup competition.

European Cup results:

Men
Britain 111pts
Germany 107
France 105
Russia 94
Italy 89.5
Poland 85
Ukraine 63.5
Finland 60

Women
Russia 122.5
Germany 103
France 89
Romania 88
Britain 84.5
Poland 77.5
Ukraine 72.7
Italy 72

Back to top