Oceania’s Craig Mottram led for most of the race and got his well deserved reward by not just winning but setting a World Cup record of 7:41.37.
It was a gutsy run from the Australian which piece by piece destroyed the field, so that with four laps to go he was only tailed by opponents from Spain, Africa and America. With 800m left to run only Roberto Garcia of Spain was in his immediate proximity, with third and fourth places seemingly between Americas’ David Jose Galvan and Africa’s Paul Bitok.
The bell sounded at 6:42.89 and Mottram powered away for the win (7:41.37), as Garcia faded away and was caught by Galvan who took second in 7:47.43 for the Americas. A very tired Spaniard hung on for third 7:53.96, but still well clear of Bitok who finished fourth for Africa, 7:56.96.
