The prestigious European Ricoh Tour, the ‘Golden League’ of the indoor athletics circuit, has become the focal point of the winter calendar since its inception in 1995. The four meeting tour has transformed interest in indoor athletics both amongst athletes and spectators alike such that it now attracts sell out crowds to watch many of the world’s top international performers. This year, with the Sydney Olympic Games drawing even nearer, it looks set to take on added significance, as the world’s top athletes fine tune their preparation for the most important event in their lives. It will provide a crucial chance to judge progress over the winter months in a highly competitive environment and to savour the unique theatrical atmosphere generated within the enclosed indoor arenas. HOT FAVOURITES FOR SYDNEY ALREADY CONFIRMED on the Tour include: The world’s fastest man American Maurice Greene and his training partner Ato Boldon from Trinidad. Middle distance stars Marla Mutola and Wilson Kipketer Leading Europeans such as IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year Gabriela Szabo and World sprint hurdles star Colin Jackson. With the world searching for indicators to the outcome of the Millenium Olympic Games in Sydney, the 2000 Ricoh Tour looks set to be the most significant and entertaining 13 days of indoor athletics ever. THE FOUR MEETING TOUR STARTS in Gent, Belgium on Friday 11th February and concludes with the final in Birmingham, England on Sunday 20th February. Further information and regular updates on competitors, timetables etc are available from the Ricoh Internet site: www.ricohtour.com or contact: Ulf Saletti on tel: +46 – (0)8 – 667 19 30 fax: +46 – (0)70 – 340 48 04 Andy Kay or Nic Watson from the Media Dept at Fast Track Tel: +44 (207) 245 0206 Fax: +44 (207) 245 0203 Mobiles: +44 (7710) 170494, +44 (7771) 868 732