Pickering: 2010 will be a huge year
Shenley sprinter talks about the challenge ahead
Craig Pickering insists his 2010 season remains on track despite finishing well off the pace at the weekend's Aviva World Indoor Trials and UK Championships.
The Milton Keynes Athletic Club member was left trailing behind controversial British number one Dwain Chambers and GB rival Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the 60m final in Sheffield.
Chambers powered his way to victory in just 6.50s - the fastest time in the world this year - with Aikines-Aryeetey smashing his lifetime best in 6.55s to push Pickering – who clocked 6.66s - into third.
Despite never intending to compete at the world indoors in Doha, Pickering admitted he was left green with envy by the leading pair.
"I am slightly disappointed Harry ran so quick as one of my competitors, but fair play to him," said the 23-year-old from Shenley Lodge.
"I would have liked to have run a bit quicker but it isn't a huge problem.
"I wasn't working towards Doha, but I would have liked to have been in a position to have said: 'I don't want to go.'
"But at the end of the day I think it has been worthwhile running indoors. And now I know I've got some things to improve on for outdoors.
"This is where I expected to be at this stage of the year so while I'm disappointed to be beaten by a rival I can't let it cloud my thoughts too much – I'm still on course.
"The Commonwealths and the Europeans are big for me this season and I see them as medal opportunities."
Bletchley long jumper Greg Rutherford took the indoor title from British rival Chris Tomlinson with a first-round leap of 7.94m to edge closer to the Doha qualifying mark of 8.10m.
Despite upping the pressure on his rival, British record holder Rutherford expects to take another step backwards before progressing in 2010.
"It's pleasing to win, I want to go into every competition and win," said Rutherford. "It is positive for me and it is an improvement but there is still a lot more to come.
"I thought I'd have a dip to be honest, but my distances are roughly the same now as they were last year.
"So if you take into account the fact that I've altered my technique then I am pleased with how things are sitting. I expect to go backwards a little bit this season before I can take strides forwards."
Milton Keynes AC also had finalists in both 1500m events in Sheffield as Paul Erwood ran well to reach the final in 3m 53.14s before finishing 7th with a time of 4m 07.51s.
Nicki Gooderham recorded a time of 4m 43.66s to finish eighth in the women's final.
There was also a good result in the pole vault, with Rachel Gibbens clearing 3.80m for a 6th place finish, losing out on 5th after starting on a lower entry height.
>> Aviva is proud to have been the leading sponsor of UK Athletics since 1999 and is committed to developing the sport at every level, from playground to podium. Visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics for more information
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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