Cover photo by Steve Christo, courtesy of Athletics Australia
It was no surpise that Australian 10000m record holder Jack Rayner took victory at the Australian world cross country trial, but not before a courageous front running effort from Matt Ramsden.
Ramsden took off in the early stages at 28 minute 10km pace and opened up and early lead, before being pulled back in by Rayner. 
The 27-year-old was comfortable over the closing stages, taking a three second victory in 29 minutes, 26 seconds. Ramsden was second, while Australian marathon record holder Brett Robinson took third in 29:37.
“In 2019 I came second to Brett but the main goal was to get out and get the winning streak going. I was a little nervous going in though. It’s not often I get to race Brett and Rambo, two of the fittest guys in Australia,” Robinson said.
The propsects of taking on the best in the world in front of a home crowd is now on Rayner’s mind, as he will look to improve on previous finishes at the World Cross Country of 40th (2017) and 64th (2019).
“I wouldn’t say the pressure is off now. The pressure is on now that the World Cross Country Championships is around the corner. Six weeks to go until Bathurst but before then I’ll be running a half marathon in between in Japan and take my new fitness across to Bathurst,” he said. 
Outside of the automatically selected top three for the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst on 18 February were 1500m runner Rorey Hunter (29:40), marathoner Andy Buchanan (29:43) and Jackson Sharp (29:46), who all made a strong claim for discretionary selection. Athletics Australia plans to send a full compliment of athletes in all events.
World Cross Country Trial Photo Gallery
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