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Fearnley wins Paris Marathon
Australian wheelchair champion Kurt Fearnley has won the Paris marathon for the second time.
Fearnley won in a time of 1:30.17, finishing just four metres ahead of French racer Julien Casoli and Spain’s Roger Puigbo.
It was Fearnley’s second victory on the Paris circuit after winning in 2007 at his only previous attempt.
Fearnley was happy with the performance, his first over the marathon distance in 2009.
“It’s good to get the first one out of the way and to get a win on the board is great. Last year I started a little slow but finished well, this year I wanted to get away to a flier,” Fearnley said.
“After the big focus on Beijing last year I’ve got a more balanced program (in 2009) and it’s important that I carry my form throughout the year. After today I head to London for the marathon in three weeks' time, before a race in South Korea then a break until September with Sydney, Chicago and New York rounding things out,” he added.
Fearnley’s start in London carries extra weight as it is the only major course that he has competed at and not won on. He finished second in 2007 and 2008, both by less than a metre, to his nemesis from the United Kingdom, David Weir.
“I’m really looking forward to London. The last two years it hasn’t gone my way there and it’s a race I’d love to add to the collection.”
“Dave’s a tough racer, especially in his home town. He won’t be the only one out there though. There’ll be a great field with plenty of depth and no doubt a tight finish again.”
With thanks to Michael Turner
Photo: Kurt Fearnley shares the podium with runner-up Julien Casoli and Spain’s Roger Puigbo.
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