25.09.2007

Deakes defeats Brugnetti on home soil

Taking on the formidable Italians on home turf at the Pino Dordoni Memorial International in Piacenza, recently crowned world champion Nathan Deakes has claimed victory in the 10km race walk by the barest of margins.

Racing side by side for all bar the closing stages of the race, Deakes pipped 2004 Olympic 20km champion Ivano Brugnetti by only one second - 39:39.32 to 39:40.23, the duo finishing over a minute ahead of their closest rival.

On a flat but demanding circuit, due to the 700m cobblestone section per 2km lap, Deakes flashed the final 2km in 7:42.

"To win and walk a great last 2km shows that I’ve recovered well from the race and conditions in Osaka," Deakes said following Sunday’s (September 23) race.

"I’ve had an easy few weeks training since Osaka to allow my body the time it needed to recover. Consequently I’ve only completed one speed session, which was quite short in itself.

"One of the positives of my season has been a solid technique. I didn’t incur either a caution or a warning during Sunday’s race and have only had one warning all year, which was during the World Championships. That’s pleasing especially given the fast finish I had fighting off Ivano. My technique is obviously very safe and legal even whilst walking in a sprint finish."

Deakes, along with Luke Adams and Jane Saville, are scheduled to compete in the 2007 IAAF Race Walking Challenge Final in Saransk, Russia this Saturday. A preview will be posted on athletics.com.au later this week.

With thanks to www.nathandeakes.com