The moment of truth for Zhen Wang came when he glanced at the disqualification board in the final throes of the men’s 20km. The Chinese could see the man alongside him was dancing with danger after Russia’s Andrey Krivov had posted two DQs on the huge screen. It was the perfect platform for Wang to mount a second sprint having already moved into the lead shortly after the halfway point. As tired as Wang was, he knew his adversary either had to risk a final card that would eliminate him if he gave chase, or hold back knowing silver was better than the sidelines. It still meant the Chinese, not 21 until August, had to find the reserves to kill off the final threat to gold – and his country’s successful defence of the individual title won in 2010. By the time he grabbed the customary national flag yards from the finish in celebration, Krivov was 14 seconds back, and the gap to third was even greater. Making his 20km debut for the year was the man who set the World record on the streets of Saransk in 2007. This time, Vladimir Kanaykin gave valiant chase to do better than bronze, but was likewise isolated after he crossed the line. Another surprise in a weekend where the hosts were expected to sweep all before them was a last charge for the line by Ukrainian Rusian Dmytrenko. The blue and yellow vests of Russia’s neighbours had been prominent in the opening laps, but no-one expected Dmytrenko to edge past Sergey Morozov at the end in a battle for fourth. It was to lead to a second bronze team medal for Ukraine. But as delighted as Dmytrenko and co must have been, Valeriy Borchin had a cap pulled firmly down on his head at the ceremony as if to mask a bad day at the office. Sure, Russia had duly taken the top tier on the podium, but the Olympic and IAAF World champion never looked comfortable, and had to settle for a distant 10th – a big shock. The results showed 'season’s best’ against his name, but only because it was Borchin’s first 20km of the year, and 1:21:29 was more than three minutes slower than his best. Earlier, the usual throng of thirty or more passed 4km in 16:29, but that was the signal to up the pace and rattle off a straight four-minutes for the next 1,000m. Challenges from Ireland’s Robbie Heffernan, Isamu Fujisawa from Japan and Erick Barrondo eventually bit the dust – but at least the latter was up there until the judges removed him at 12km. The Guatemalan had a fantastic 1:18:25 from March to back up his claims for a medal, but once he was gone it came down to a straight duel with Wang standing tallest at the end. China collected team silvers to join Russia and Ukraine on the podium. Wang paid tribute to coach Sandro Damilano – brother of Maurizio, the former IAAF World champion. The Chinese said: "I did not expect to win as Russia was on home soil. At 16km, I thought there was a chance, and it was only at the end I realised I was in the lead by a distance. "Damilano is a great coach and I have followed him for two years." The Russian silver medallist was just as pleased. Krivov said: "It may be just silver – but it was platinum to me, because I can now go to London and the Olympics." "The DQ cards had no influence on the way I walked. Maybe, it was a good thing I did not know much about them." Kanaykin admitted hometown pressure had been a factor. "It was a big responsibility to be here and perform in front of so many supporters," he said. "I won’t know until my next race in June whether I’m going to the Olympics." Paul Warburton for the IAAF

The moment of truth for Zhen Wang came when he glanced at the disqualification board in the final throes of the men’s 20km.

Wang upsets home favourites in Saransk - Men's 20km Report

This was one of the best races in World Cup history when it came to the drama of leads switching in the second half of the race. From 5km the medals were clearly going to be decided by four walkers – the question was which four? The odds were firmly stacked in favour of Nadezhda Leontyeva and Ekaterina Medvedeva prevailing for the host country. After all, Russia had won three out of the four events since the start of the junior race for women in 2004. The red-vested pair also had the fastest times of the year, but probably in Spanish, Sandra Arenas was thinking, so what? The Colombian had just watched compatriot Eider Arevalo win the men’s 10km, and inspired by one win for her country, was determined to make it two. Not that anyone among the 30,000 or so around the course would have thought it around 6km. The white-capped Arenas was throwing her head back in a desperate attempt to get air in her lungs as first Leontyeva and then Mexican Alejandra Ortega made a bid for glory. Medvedeva was a heartbeat away and the two Russians quickly moved into the lead. One kilometre later and the gap had grown to 20 metres on Ortega, with Arenas seemingly out of it. But from the depths of somewhere Arenas rallied at 8km, and not only drew level with Ortega but quickly caught up with the Russians. Medvedeva was the first to crack, and then as Ortega drifted off the back for the second time, Arenas shot past Leontyeva to open up a gap on the startled Russian. Had there been another twist in events, no-one would have been surprised. But even though the winner glanced over her shoulder repeatedly over the last kilometre, she had the title in the bag. Earlier on, Australian Claire Tallent and Irish Kate Veale took their turn at the front before succumbing to the increased pace and the conditions. Then at 6km, it was down to the real business of the day, with Arenas a joyful surprise to both herself and her country. Afterwards, the 18-year-old victor admitted the telling moment had been when she got her second win with two kilometres left. She said: "I thought I could win, but decided not to go so fast in the middle part. "When I realised the others were slowing down – I was sure I could go to the front." Her team finished fifth. But taking bronze was Ukraine with 15 points. And the only reason they didn’t get silver was because their third walker was behind the last Chinese who took team silver. The disappointed Leontyeva and Medvedeva at least had the consolation of Russian team gold – although both looked very sombre and subdued at the medal ceremony. Paul Warburton for the IAAF

This was one of the best races in World Cup history when it came to the drama of leads switching in the second half of the race.

Arenas completes Colombian Junior double in Saransk - Women's 10km Report

He may be a junior but there was a superb master class from Eider Arevalo as he defended his 10km crown in the World Walking Cup at Saransk. The Colombian bided his time after the initial charges subsided, so when he chased down the two remaining walkers ahead of him in the second half, there was a look of inevitability about the final result. Arevalo was moving much quicker than anyone at 6km and everyone on the 2km loop could see the effort he was making. Arms and legs were moving through quickly in contrast to the laboured efforts of Alexander Ivanov who was trying to win for his hometown. The flags were flying for the walker with one of the fastest times of the year, but the Russian was also flagging. Having taken over the lead from Mexican Jesus Vega, just for a second it looked as if Russia would claim their third victory in the junior competition. But Arevalo had other ideas, and as he ramped up the gears to take the last lap in something around a flat eight minutes – no one could live with him. Such was the speed for the man in sunglasses, he almost missed grabbing his country’s flag inches before he threw up his arms at the line. Earlier on there was a strong group of 30 going through 2km in 8:35 – somewhat conservative even given the humid conditions. But as so often in World Cup competitions, this was only the precursor to a second-half charge. Pole Lukasz Kostka was made to pay for a fast start, and Spain’s Alvaro Martin was also suffering late on for taking on the lead. But by halfway just over 21:00, it was clear the early skirmishes were over. The eventual podium placers were joined by Damir Baybikov, and from there it was a case of Arevalo steeling nerves as the Russians and the Mexican made a charge for home. When it mattered, the charismatic Colombian made sure he was going to become only the second junior to retain a crown following Russia’s Vera Sokolova in 2004 and 2006. Arevalo was even joined by team-mates Kenny Perez and Manuel Soto for a silver team medal. Russia won gold thanks to Ivanov, Baybikov and Kirill Frolov to cue the home country’s national anthem for the first time in the weekend, ahead of Colombia and China: Jiaxing Yin, Wenkui Gao and Shan Jiang. Paul Warburton for the IAAF

He may be a junior but there was a superb master class from Eider Arevalo as he defended his 10km crown in the World Walking Cup at Saransk.

Arevalo defends World Cup title in Saransk - Men's 10km Report

Saransk, RussiaFollowing a magnificant opening ceremony for the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, the city of Saransk is now ready to cheer on no fewer than 475 athletes representing 62 nations who will compete in the streets of the city over the next couple of days. See under related items for Official Start Lists by Event and Athletes' Biographies. Speaking in presence of Vladimir Volkov, Interim Head of the Republic of Mordovia and Vladimir Sushkov, Mayor of Saransk, IAAF Vice President Sergey Bubka declared: "I am delighted to be with you in Saransk, Russia for the IAAF World Race Walking Cup. "Over the next two days we will celebrate the amazing talent of almost 500 race walkers who have gathered here from 62 nations. A participation record! "Race Walking here in Saransk can be considered the number one sport because its citizens love race walking with a passion. "Many of Russia’s elite walkers are based at Saransk’s 'Centre for Olympic Preparation’ which is the only performance centre in the WORLD solely dedicated to race walking. "The capital of the Republic of Mordovia, Saransk is the second Russian city to play host to the IAAF World Race Walking Cup after Cheboksary held the 2008 edition. "In Cheboksary, RUSSIAN ATHLETES took 8 gold medals - 4 individual and 4 team titles - and so the anticipation of RUSSIAN success is again high and is sure to create an electric atmosphere. "Furthermore, Russian race walkers conquered all available World Race Walking titles at the Daegu World Championships in 2011, and two of the three Olympic race walking titles in 2008. "I expect very large crowds of supporters tomorrow and Sunday for what will be a wonderful weekend of race walking action and I am sure you will all support and cheer for each and every race walker in the best spirit of fair play. "I very much look forward to a successful World Race Walking Cup here in Saransk."

Saransk 2012 - Official Start Lists and Athletes' Biographies now available

The pair carrying Russia’s best hopes for individual success at the IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Saransk promised no World records this weekend – but every chance of gold medals. Valeriy Borchin and Olga Kaniskina know all about breaking tapes. Indeed, it has been a while since the IAAF World and Olympic winners failed to do so. Both were cagey about tactics needed to win the two 20km on offer, but certain the race for each was no halfway house to the Olympics in August. Looking tanned and relaxed in their hometown, the pair insisted they had prepared specifically for this challenge and are plotting to claim a slice of the &#36;350,000 prize money offer. Borchin said: "A lot of things can happen in a race. "Judges can play a part, and we have to be aware of that. I have been eight years in the sport, and I see all my competitors as potential challengers. "I have not thought about the Olympics yet. This is one race, and I have prepared for it, and will prepare again for the next one." One reason that could scupper an attempt on the men’s 20km mark set five years ago on the same Saransk streets by Russian Vladimir Kanyakin, also toeing the line, might be the heat. It looks as if the mercury will touch 28 celsius for the men’s 50km where Jared Tallent is hoping his fifth major medal will turn to gold – rather than silver or bronze. The Australian isn’t worried about the thermometre, but more about the Russian challenge. That and his mid-race stomach problems that stymied a bid for glory both at the IAAF World Championships in August and the last IAAF World Cup. The former will pan out Sunday morning, the latter Tallent hopes he’s fixed with a little help from nutritionist Louise Burke at the AIS training centre in Canberra. "We’ve worked on what’s best for me, both on fluid and carbs. About 60gms an hour," he revealed. "As for the heat, I raced in 38 degrees in Hobart earlier this year." Eder Sanchez is a long way from home, but the Mexican admitted Russia will do fine as he bids to climb the podium in the 20km event. Four years ago he was third in Cheboksary down the road with a PB 1:18:34 "Russia is a great nation for me," said Sanchez. "I feel really good about being here." Just as delighted to be attending the Cup is the great Sergey Bubka. And the press conference underlined the former Pole Vault giant is a big fan of walking. A man used to seeing the World from six metres on the end of a stick reckoned the sport has its feet firmly on the ground by adapting to modern demands – and thoroughly deserved its place in the world of track and field despite past criticisms. He said: "There is a bright future for race walking. "Everyone can participate – and it is important to promote sport all over the world. I believe it will remain part of the Olympic set up and I also believe its future is safe." The now IAAF vice president made sure he took the opportunity to puff out his chest on behalf of the hosts. After all, Saransk’s place in walking is somewhat special, as Bubka pointed out. "It’s the mecca of race walking, and there is no other such centre in the world," he added. "We have 62 countries here – 58 was the previous record. And all the golds in the last World Championships went to Mordovia." Paul Warburton for the IAAF

The pair carrying Russia’s best hopes for individual success at the IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Saransk promised no World records this weekend – but every chance of gold medals.

Saransk locals Kaniskina and Borchin ready for IAAF Race Walking Cup

With just over 48 hours to go to the start of the IAAF World Race Walking Cup here in Saransk, the Mordovian Capital is ready to welcome athletes from over 60 countries for what is expected to be a weekend of fine race walking action. To view the Entry Lists updated as of today, Thursday 10 May, please click the link under 'Related Content' to the right hand side of the page. IAAF

With just over 48 hours to go to the start of the IAAF World Race Walking Cup here in Saransk, the Mordovian Capital is ready to welcome athletes from over 60 countries for what is expected to be a weekend of fine race walking action.

Saransk 2012 - Entry Lists now available

MonteCarloOver USD 350,000 are on offer for the three senior races - men’s 50km and men’s and women’s 20km - from the IAAF as prize money at the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russia, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May 2012. Prize Money** Individuals (total USD 210,000) 1st 30,000 2nd 15,000 3rd 10,000 4th 7000 5th 5000 6th 3000 Team (total USD 157,500) per team: 1st 15,000 2nd 12,000 3rd 9000 4th 7500 5th 6000 6th 3000 Total Prize Money – USD 367,500 (There is no prize money for the two junior 10kms) Team Entries / Scoring Senior Races Each IAAF Member Federation (MF) may enter a maximum of seven walkers; no more than five shall be allowed to start in the race with three to score. Each MF may enter a team in both the Senior Men’s Races (20km or 50km) but no athlete may compete in both. Junior Races Each MF may enter a maximum of five walkers; no more than three shall be allowed to start in the race with two to score. Individual Entries Each MF can enter individual athletes in any of the races and the finishing athletes shall be eligible for the corresponding individual awards. Age Categories Any athlete aged 18 or 19 years on 31 December in the year of the competition (e.g. for the 2012 Cup, born in 1993 or 1994) may compete in the Senior 20km race or the Junior race (NOT in the Senior 50km race). Any athlete aged 16 or 17 years on 31 December in the year of the competition (e.g. for the 2012 Cup, born in 1995 or 1996) may compete in the Junior race ONLY. No athlete younger than 16 years of age on 31 December in the year of the competition (e.g. for the 2012 Cup, born in 1997 or later) may be entered. NOTE ** all awards are dependent upon athletes undergoing and clearing the usual anti-doping procedures IAAF

Over USD 350,000 are on offer for the three senior races - men’s 50km and men’s and women’s 20km - from the IAAF as prize money at the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russia, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May 2012.

How much to win, who can race, and how many to score? – IAAF World Race Walking Cup

8 May 2012MonteCarloWith just four days to go before the action begins, we continue our coverage of the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russian, 12-13 May, with a preview of the men's races. It is difficult to see past a Russian romp at the 25th IAAF World Race Walking Cup – and not just because the superpower can swan it in its own backyard. The competition may be celebrating its silver anniversary, but gold in every event, that is EVERY event of five plus teams, will still get you short odds. Elsewhere, there is the odd crucial gap in visiting teams, but practically everyone in a red vest who matters is expected to grace the streets of Saransk, home to the Russian race walking centre. Men’s 50k - Russia were always going to be the team to beat – but their task got even easier when three key opponents absented themselves from the 8.30 a.m. Sunday morning start. Defending champion Matej Toth has decided to give the race a miss, and joining the Slovakian on the sidelines is Italy’s Alex Schwazer – the man with the 2012 leading times for both 20k and 50k. By his own admission, Frenchman Yohan Diniz bit off more than he could chew trying to compete twice in six March days, and will now concentrate on the Olympics. But if there is hope for the rest as they challenge the red phalanx – the clue is the race itself. Even the best on a bad day suffer like novices. Former IAAF World Championship gold Sergey Kirdyapkin was in the land of the living dead as he crawled through the streets of La Coruna in 2006. And when you suffer in this race, you really suffer. So in the absence of world record holder Denis Nizhegorodov, take your pick from five other Russians including Kirdyapkin and 2011 IAAF Championship gold Sergey Bakulin. The latter looks as if he has the bit between his teeth, but if there is to be a threat from outside, Jared Tallent is more than a decent bet. Looking good for ultimate success in Daegu until sickness took a hold and Bakulin took advantage, not for the first time, the plucky Australian recovered to take bronze – just as he did at the last World Cup two years ago when his stomach also let him down. If the Olympic silver medallist can hold it all together, he could become the second Aussie to top the 50k World Cup podium after Simon Baker in 1989. Elsewhere, there is a strong Chinese challenge with Si Tianfeng ready to better his encouraging fourth in Daegu. And Poland, in the wake of Robert Korzeniowski, also has a strong quartet. A 3:44:24 PB for Lukasz Nowak at Dudince in March shows there is a possible heir apparent to the walking legend. Men’s 20k - Only three countries have walkers with sub 80-minutes behind their names for 2012 going into this one. No prizes for guessing the hosts and China. And when you add Guatemala’s Erick Barrondo (1:18:25) you have the cream of current clockings. Alex Schwazer has the fastest 20k so far, but the Italian won’t be racing the streets around the town’s iconic cathedral. Any prayers the rest have depend on a bad day for the two big walking nations, that and judges removing those who don’t pass muster. Russia will have the two-fastest walkers of all time as well as the Olympic, World, and IAAF Challenge winner – and that’s just three of them. Vladimir Kanaykin set the current World record in Saransk five years ago at the IAAF Challenge final, while Sergey Morozov raced to an unratified 1:16:43 on the same streets a year later. Valeriy Borchin has yet to race the distance this year – but does anyone really think the triple champion will trip up in his hometown? One has to feel for Stanislav Emelyanov. The former IAAF junior and youth champion walked a stupendous 1:18:29 at Sochi to improve his old mark by more than a minute, but may find he’s looking at the heels of his compatriots. Andrey Krivov beat Emelyanov by four seconds in February, and both had to look down the road to glimpse Andrey Ruzavin (1:17:47). Could all six realistically have an off day? Only if someone slips off the edge of a flat world staring at a flying pig. China will be up there for the first stanza when up to 25 walkers has judges peering through a tangle of legs. And although it’s a very young Chinese team, it’s also very mature one as far as winning goes. Wang Zhen is just 20, but the 1:17:36 he posted in Taicang to win the IAAF Challenge sits well with his 2010 IAAF Challenge triumph and the world junior 10k record that went with it. Even younger, Chen Ding is not 20 until August but his 1:17:40 was a toucher away from his teammate in March. Wang Hao won’t give up his 2010 title without a fight, and Cai Zelin has eyes on improving the IAAF World Cup junior silver from Chihuahua. Fighting to stay with them over the second half in Saransk should be the fast-improving Barrondo who has at least one edge over his rivals. Everyone mentioned so far posted 2012 times at home, but the Guatemalan was 4,000 miles from base when he got third in Lugano behind Schwazer and Yohan Diniz from France. The best of the rest include former European Cup winner Giorgio Rubino (Italy, 1:20:10), Dawid Tomala (Poland: 1:20:50), Chris Linke (Germany: 1:20:41), Eder Sánchez (Mexico, 1:20:49) and France’s Bertrand Moulinet (1:20:52) – who may yet be in their own separate race as China and Russia duel down the road apiece. Junior men’s 10k - What happens down on the Black Sea coast in February tends to decide rankings for any given year – and 2012 is no exception. The first four young Russians across the line in Sochi at the Russian Winter Championships duly got the nod for Saransk. But there are plenty likely to give Alex Ivanov (40:48) Damir Baybikov (40:53), Kirill Frolov Kirill (40:57) and Pavel Parshin Pavel (40:59) a walk for their money. For a start, defending champion Eider Arevalo is on his way to Saransk after the Colombian posted a nippy 43:04 in February. And on the superfast course that was Taicang at the IAAF Challenge supporting race in March, a trio of Chinese all made their mark, the fastest of which, Jiang Shan (41:31), should be up with the leaders. Likewise on home territory in Chihuahua, the Mexican trio of Jesus Vega (41:52), Erwin González (42:01) and Mario Sánchez (42:13) suggested the production line from a walking superpower is well oiled. Spain has Alvaro Martin’s 41:32 from March to boost their hopes, and there are walkers from Australia, Germany, Poland, Italy and Australia all ready to form a throng over the opening kilometres. Should the judges get to work on errant Russian juniors under pressure to produce, any one from eight countries could upset the home applecart. Paul Warburton for the IAAF

With just four days to go before the action begins, we continue our coverage of the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russian, 12-13 May, with a preview of the men's races.

Saransk 2012 - Men's Preview - IAAF World Race Walking Cup

MonteCarloWith just four days to go before the action begins, we continue our coverage of the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russian, 12-13 May, with a preview of the women's races. It is difficult to see past a Russian romp at the 25th IAAF World Race Walking Cup – and not just because the superpower can swan it in its own backyard. The competition may be celebrating its silver anniversary, but gold in every event, that is EVERY event of five plus teams, will still get you short odds. Elsewhere, there is the odd crucial gap in visiting teams, but practically everyone in a red vest who matters is expected to grace the streets of Saransk, home to the Russian race walking centre. Junior women’s 10k - There is no one within two minutes of the Russian quartet on 2012 times. Nadezhda Leontyeva leads the list with 44:32 clocked at the Sochi seaside in February where most of the current best times for senior Russians were also recorded. In the recent past, walking’s world raised an eyebrow at some of the superlative finishes in the Russian Winter Championships, but the canny hosts now invite approved IAAF judges, so that no-one is left in any doubt about the strength of the competition. Behind Leontyeva comes Ekaterina Medvedeva on 44:46, with Alena Azyrkina (45:52) and Olga Dubrovian (46:22) bringing up the rear – if you can call it that. Last time out in the heat of Chihuahua, there was a surprise for the Russians when Italy broke the tape, but this is back on familiar territory. Four years ago in Cheboksary, down the road from Saransk, the winning Russian trio was clear of the field after 50 metres. If there is to be a surprise, like disqualifications, then Chinese Dandan Duan finished high up the 2011 rankings and could at least mix it with the home team. Toeing the line for Australia is Rachel Tallent, younger sister of multi-medal winner Jared, who along with wife Rachel make up a unique family trio competing in the Cup. Women's 20k - If there is to be a challenge to Russia – it will surely come from China. The latter produced a slew of personal bests, not to mention an Asian record for Liu Hong at the IAAF Challenge race at Taicang in March. Liu’s 1:25:46 still requires 19 seconds on the current best 2012 time. But the Chinese has international pedigree including IAAF World Championship silver and bronze, and refuses to kowtow to the Russian charge at competition. Behind her in Taicang came Gao Ni, Lu Xiuzhi, Nie Jingjing with comfortable sub 1:30:00 clockings, and Qieyang Shenjie (1:27:04) who took exactly a minute off her personal best set on the same course a year earlier. But one Russian has got a faster time even than Liu. Like Liu, Elmira Alembekova was on home soil in February where she stopped the clock at 1:25:27. But the bronze junior medallist from Cheboksary four years ago knows some of her illustrious teammates have yet to reveal their 2012 hand. The all-conquering Olga Kaniskina, with gold from every major championship, as well as world-record holder Vera Sokolova wait in the wings. And when Anisya Kirdyapkina, Yuliya Loshmanova and Irina Yumanova get thrown into the homegrown mix, cue the hosts’ national anthem. However, the battle for team bronze is intriguing. Portugal in the shape of Susan Feitor, Ines Henriques, Vera Santos and Ana Cabecinha with a 2012 1:29:53 have trod this path before, and across the border, Spain headed by Maria José Poves’ 1:28:15 is an equal threat. They also have defending champion, Maria Vasco back for the ninth time, who at 36 shows no signs of hanging up her racing shoes after recording a nippy 1:28:54 in March. But if the Iberian Peninsula has previous success, out of the blue, Poland has become an instant force. Only last month at Zaniemysl near Poznan, a quartet headed by Paulina Buziak (1:29:44) all got under 1:32:00 and Agnieszka Szwarnóg’s 1:30:56 was a staggering eight-minute improvement on her old mark. Individuals sticking elbows out for a fight to the podium include Germany’s Sabine Krantz and Melanie Seeger, Italy’s Elisa Rigaudo, and as far as 2012 times go, Sycely Ortiz Flores (Guatemala) 1:28:54, and Australia’s Rachel Tallent, who with 1:28:53 in Taicang sliced more than three minutes off her previous PB. Paul Warburton for the IAAF

With just four days to go before the action begins, we continue our coverage of the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russian, 12-13 May, with a preview of the women's races.

Saransk 2012 - Women's Preview - IAAF World Race Walking Cup

MonteCarloLarge crowds are expected to greet race walkers from a record 64 Member Federations of the IAAF who will compete at the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russia, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May 2012. Previously the largest gathering in the 24 edition history of the competition was registered in the Spanish city of La Coruna where 58 countries took part in the 2006 edition. The capital of the Republic of Mordovia, Saransk is the second Russian city to play host to the IAAF World Race Walking Cup after Cheboksary held the 2008 edition attended by 53 Member Federations. The 2km loop road course around which the five races of the IAAF World Race Walking Cup will be contested (men’s 50km, men’s and women’s 20km and junior men’s and women’s 10km races) is situated in the heart of the city. It is essentially a flat course with a slight climb from South to North. 64 nations have entered a total of 478 athletes to compete this coming weekend, a figure which is composed of 312 Male athletes and 166 Female athletes. 22 full teams have entered the men’s 10km and 20km races with 17 teams competing in the men’s 50km. In the women’s races, 18 full teams will contest the junior race with 19 teams in the women’s 20km senior race. IAAF

Large crowds are expected to greet race walkers from a record 64 Member Federations of the IAAF who will compete at the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russia, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May 2012.

Athletes from a record 64 nations to compete in Saransk

READ ON for English and French language version - La traduction française suit le texte anglais Monte Carlo - When the best race walkers on the planet make their way to Saransk in two weeks’ time to compete in the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, they may well be entering the mecca of the discipline, the Capital of the Republic of Mordovia where Race Walking is the first national sport, yet it is a whole world of specialists that will be lining up for the five individual and five team titles at stake on 12-13 May. Undisputedly, Russian race walkers have proven their outstanding tradition and powerful display notably after conquering all three World Race Walking titles at the Daegu World Championships in 2011; and competing on home soil will add yet another extra boost to their motivation but one is not without discounting "the rest of the world." Many countries and indeed many Continental Areas possess incredible race walking talents and that was proven once again at the last edition of the IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Chihuahua 2010 where five of the six IAAF’s Continental Areas featured at least one athlete on the podium. The European super powers were all represented on Chihuahua’s podium with Spain, Italy and Portugal but more surprising was the gold medal for Slovakia conquered by the upset of the week Matej Toth. Interestingly, Russia had one of their poorest performances in the history of the event with "only" 3 individual bronze medals to add to the men’s junior team title. South America’s long standing tradition in the discipline was carried through when Eider Arevalo crossed the finish line to take the men’s junior gold medal as he also led Colombia to the team bronze. The NACAC region was duly represented by the host country and the likes of local hero Horacio Nava who not only took the individual silver medal in the men’s 50km but he also led Mexico to a superb silver medal in the team standings. Oceania’s medal haul was that of Jared Tallent, the Australian bravely holding on to the bronze. The last 50km success by Australia were the two individual medals coming from Simon Baker, the winner in 1989 and the silver medallist in 1991. The Chinese walkers were the most impressive in Chihuahua 2010 as they took home no fewer than 4 individual medals including Hao Wang’s title in the men’s 20km race walk; but they also had an amazing showing in the team standings as the only nation to be featured on the team podium in all 6 races and winning no fewer than 3 team titles! The African continent was also well represented with Tunisia’s Hassanine Sebei finishing among the Top-10 in the men’s 20km race walk. For more news and info on the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, visit the IAAF's Saransk 2012 dedicated mini-site at: <a href="http://www.iaaf.org/mini/wrw12/index.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.iaaf.org/mini/wrw12/index.aspx</a> IAAF *** *** La Coupe du Monde de Marche de l'IAAF - Une compétition véritablement planétaire - À deux semaines du coup d'envoi Monte-Carlo - Dans deux semaines, les meilleurs marcheurs de la planète feront le voyage à Saransk - véritable oasis des spécialistes de la discipline - pour disputer la Coupe du Monde de Marche de l'IAAF. Saransk, la capitale de la République de Mordovie (Russie), est une ville où la marche est le premier sport national sera ainsi, deux jours durant, le point focal des marcheurs du monde entier, qui s'y disputeront les cinq titres individuels et cinq titres par équipe ces 12 et 13 mai. Il est certain que les spécialistes russes, qui ont déjà prouvé leur exceptionnelle qualité dans la discipline après avoir remporté les trois titres en jeu aux Championnats du Monde de Daegu en 2011, seront plus motivés que jamais par le soutien du public local. Mais attention aux marcheurs venus des quatre coins de la planète ! Beaucoup de pays répartis sur pratiquement tous les continents possèdent de très grands spécialistes de la discipline. Pour preuve, lors de la dernière édition de la Coupe du Monde de Marche à Chihuahua, en 2010, cinq des six zones continentales de l’IAAF sont montées, au moins une fois, sur le podium. L’Europe était aussi bien représentée à Chihuahua avec évidemment des marcheurs issus des grandes nations de la discipline comme l’Espagne, l’Italie et le Portugal mais plus surprenante encore fut la victoire sur 50km de Matej Toth qui offrait à la Slovaquie une médaille d’or inattendue. A contrario, la Russie vivait un de ses championnats les plus décevants avec "seulement" trois médailles de bronze individuelles qui s’ajoutaient au titre par équipes dans l’épreuve junior hommes. L’Amérique du Sud, riche d'une très longue tradition de marcheurs, pouvait compter sur Eider Arevalo, le jeune Colombien qui non seulement remportait l’or chez les juniors hommes, mais contribuait également à la médaille de bronze par équipe pour son pays. Les espoirs de la région NACAC reposaient sur le Mexicain Horacio Nava qui remportait la médaille d’argent sur 50km devant son propre public avec en prime une médaille d’argent pour son équipe. L’Océanie se voyait récompensée par sa première médaille de l’histoire de cette compétition grâce à l’Australien, Jared Tallent, qui a montré courage et détermination en décrochant une médaille de bronze dans le 50km masculin. Les dernières médailles individuelles pour l'Australie sur cette distance remontaient aux exploits de Simon Baker, vainqueur en 1989 et médaillé d'argent en 1991. Les Chinois quant à eux, furent sans doute les plus impressionnants lors des épreuves de Chihuahua 2010, avec un total de quatre médailles individuelles dont le titre sur 20km hommes de Hao Wang. Les Asiatiques furent également les seuls à être représentés sur tous les podiums par équipes, avec pas moins de trois titres! Les couleurs du continent Africain étaient également bien défendues par le Tunisien, Hassanine Sebei qui terminait dans les dix premiers du 20km hommes. Pour plus d'informations et suivre les derniers développements de la Coupe du Monde de Marche de l'IAAF, visitez le mini-site internet de l'IAAF dédié à Saransk 2012 à l'adresse: <a href="http://www.iaaf.org/mini/wrw12/index.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.iaaf.org/mini/wrw12/index.aspx</a> IAAF Légende illustration: le logo de la Coupe du Monde de Marche de l'IAAF, Saransk 2012 (IAAF)

When the best race walkers on the planet make their way to Saransk in two weeks’ time to compete in the IAAF World Race Walking Cup, they may well be entering the mecca of the discipline, the Capital of the Republic of Mordovia where Race Walking is the first national sport, yet it is a whole world of specialists that will be lining up for the five individual and five team titles at stake on 12-13 May.

IAAF World Race Walking Cup – Truly a worldwide affair – Two Weeks to go

Robert Heffernan and Olive Loughnane, both of whom took top eight finishes in the 20km Race Walk at the last Olympic Games in Beijing along with IAAF World Youth 5000m Race Walk champion Kate Veale have been named to lead the biggest ever Irish team IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russia, 12-13 May. Heffernan is in his usual top class form, taking a recent fourth place in the 20km at the IAAF Race Walking Challenge in Rio Maior which was the Cork man's best ever performance at an IAAF Challenge event, finishing in a time of 1:21:28, which was only 14 seconds off a podium position. Heffernan is targeting the 50km Race Walk at this summer's Olympic Games in London and will use the 20km race in Russia to sharpen up and gauge his competitive progress. Heffernan will be joined in the 20km event by Brendan Boyce who has already achieved the 50km qualification standard for the Olympics. Boyce has been in great form lately setting a personal best of 3:57:53 for 50km in the Dudince Grand Prix which should secure his selection for London. Such is the depth of 50km Race Walking in Ireland at the moment that the selectors may yet be required to leave one qualifier at home. Ireland's two representatives at the Beijing Olympics, Jamie Costin and Colin Griffin, each with best times just a shade over 3:50 had both expected to have qualified by now but a string of injury problems (Costin) and disqualifications (Griffin) has meant that neither has the standard at the moment and Saransk will be a case of all or nothing for the pair. Last weekend Griffin and Costin came through a 20km race in Naumburg clocking 1:24:40 and 1:25:25 respectively which augers well for Saransk. 50km debutant Michael Doyle is the third of the Irish athletes competing in the 50km event. In the women’s 20km, 2009 World Championship silver medallist Olive Loughnane and Laura Reynolds fly the Irish flag. Loughnane will target a solid confidence boosting performance as she prepares for the Olympic Games and will relish the opportunity to test her reserve against top international competition. She has always shone in Russia, making her international breakthrough at the European Cup in Cheboksary 2003 with an eight place finish and she took sixth at the 2008 IAAF World Cup at the same venue. Reynolds set an impressive personal best of 1:34:40 in Naumburg last weekend and has achieved the Olympic B standard on numerous occasions and has an excellent opportunity to achieve the 1:33:30 A standard in Saransk. 2011 World Youth 5000m Race Walk Gold medallist Kate Veale leads the team in the junior women’s 10km. The 17-year-old native of Waterford has been in great form this season having won the 10km event in the Lugano Grand Prix back last month and of course took bronze at the last European Cup of Race Walking in Portugal. Veale will be joined on the start line by Irish teammate Emma Prenderville. In the junior men’s race James Treanor and Luke Hickey are set to compete and both athletes will target personal best performances. Patsy McGonagle, who will manage the Irish team for his third Olympic Games in London said, "This is the strongest team we have ever sent to a World Cup and the fact that we have so many qualifiers already for London and with the possibility of Reynolds and either Costin, Griffin being added to the list makes it a very exciting trip." Team Manager and Chairman of High Performance for Athletics Ireland Ray Flynn, said, "We are living in a golden period for the event in Ireland and our two best chances for athletics medals in London are probably Heffernan and Loughnane. The IAAF World Cup is a crucial part of the preparation process and I am really looking forward to our athletes racing in front of crowds of 50-100,000 in Saransk." Shaun Gallagher for the IAAF Irish Team for IAAF World Race Walking Cup Saransk 20km Men Robert Heffernan Brendan Boyce 50km Men Jamie Costin Colin Griffin Michael Doyle 20km Women Olive Loughnane Laura Reynolds 10km Junior Men James Traenor Luke Hickey 10km Junior Women Kate Veale Emma Prenderville

Robert Heffernan and Olive Loughnane, both of whom took top eight finishes in the 20km Race Walk at the last Olympic Games in Beijing along with IAAF World Youth 5000m Race Walk champion Kate Veale have been named to lead the biggest ever Irish team IAAF World Race Walking Cup, Saransk, Russia, 12-13 May.

WORLD ATHLETICS RACE WALKING TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

No end in sight for the Tallent trio - Saransk 2012

Lashmanova upsets Kaniskina and completes Russian sweep of Team titles in Saransk - Women's 20km Report

Kirdyapkin praises wife's invaluable support after snatching gold in Saransk

Kirdyapkin strikes first individual gold for Russia in Saransk - Men's 50km Report

Arevalo dedicates World Race Walking Cup victory to late coach