(11/01/2005)

Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj is considering competing at the 2005 World Cross Country Championships in France.

The double Olympic champion over 1500m and 5000m, who has not raced over cross country for 15 years, will not make a decision until two weeks to the championships.

Although, he's expected to end his absence at the March 19th event in St Galmier, where he could meet the defending world cross country champion, Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele.

El Guerrouj said: "If I am to compete in it, it is only if I feel I can win. Otherwise there is not much point in me going.

"The return to training was very difficult because I accepted a lot of invitations these past few months.

"I am almost a month behind but I am on the right track."

see also:

El Guerrouj wins gold

El Guerrouj's win streak ends

El Guerrouj bounces back