Paula's solo run

Britain's athletics team chief Max Jones said today Paula Radcliffe is on course to win gold in Athens after deciding to prepare for the Olympics away from the team's main training base in Cyprus.

Marathon world record holder Radcliffe is the nation's brightest hope of a gold medal during the Games, which get under way here on Friday.

But she has chosen to prepare for her moment of truth in the isolation of southern Spain, away from the rest of the team at the British Olympic Association holding camp in Paphos. She has raced just twice in her build up to the Olympic marathon this year and spent much of her time out of the spotlight training in the French Pyrenees.

Her low profile has caused some concern over her preparations but Jones said: "I have spoken to Paula on the telephone and everything is fine. She said everything is going very well and she has no injuries, so she is very happy at the moment.

"Paula has always done her own thing and we don't have a problem with that. In any case, Cyprus is probably not the best environment for 25-mile runs.

"She wanted to go where she has been before and not take any risks. We have confidence in Paula, she has her own support team where she is and will go to Athens on the 18th." Jones revealed how he has sent letters of encouragement to Radcliffe and the rest of the 58-strong British team heading for Athens, telling them not to believe reports that they are set for a disappointing Games.