Athletics: Pinto back on London streets

British athletes will have a tough fight in this year's Flora London Marathon after the entry into the race of three top international runners.

Antonio Pinto of Portugal, a former winner, and the twice runner-up Steve Moneghetti of Australia will be among the competitors, while the United States' No 1, Jerry Lawson, will make his first challenge for the London title. They will take on a strong British entry comprising Paul Evans, Eamonn Martin, Richard Nerurkar, Gary Staines and Peter Whitehead.

Dave Bedford, the race co- ordinator, said: "When we revealed the strongest British challenge in the history of the London Marathon, I promised it would be no easy ride for the likes of Evans and Nerurkar. I believe the race is shaping up to be highly competitive and potentially very fast." A total of 39,250 runners will take to the streets of the capital on 13 April.

Carl Lewis claimed yesterday that some countries were still defending drug-tainted athletes. "I think there is definitely an effort to make the situation better, but I also think everyone has to come to the table, and there are still loopholes that need to be closed," Lewis said in New Zealand, where he will run a 100 metres race in Auckland today.

"There are still countries that fight for their athletes, even though they know they're dirty," the nine-times Olympic gold medallist said.