Bolt confirms Manchester race thanks to lure of Old Trafford

USAIN Bolt has confirmed he will race in this weekend's Bupa Great City Games in Manchester.

RELIEF: Bupa Great City Games organisers will be relieved after star attraction Usain Bolt confirmed his participation in this Sunday's event in Manchester (Getty Images)

However, it's unclear what appeals to the treble Olympic champion more - a 150m city centre street dash or the chance to meet Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs.

Bolt - whose participation in the inaugural event was thrown into doubt by his recent high-profile writing off of his BMW - will take on British sprinters Marlon Devonish and Simeon Williamson in a made for television showdown that promises to be distinctly one-sided.

However, it's the chance to meet the stars of Old Trafford that is really exciting Bolt - and he'll present the fans' player of the year prize at Manchester United's Players Awards night on Sunday.

He's even promised to give Ronaldo a sprinting lesson - in exchange for a signed shirt.

Track and field is constantly seeking new ways to reinvent itself - with UK Athletics' new Super 8 concept - which pits city against city in a fast and furious two-hour midweek competition, set for launch in Cardiff next month.

And the City Games - designed by the organisers of the Great North Run and its associated races - is the latest attempt to glitz up the sport that started when event promoters put bullseye targets on the javelin field.

Devonish has enjoyed a successful start to the season, running 10.11 seconds in Miami and finishing third in last weekend's IAAF Super Grand Prix in Qatar.

However, there are those who claim both he and Williamson would be better focused elsewhere - with the McCain Lougborough International also taking place this Sunday.

BRIGHT HOPE: Ashlee Nelson will start her bid for the European Junior Championships at this weekend's McCain Loughborough International (Getty Images)

The event is the traditional curtain raiser to the British outdoor season with England, Scotland and Wales taking on Loughborough Students, Great Britain students and a UKA junior team.

British officials today announced their junior team for the event - with qualification for the European Junior Championships high on the selected athletes agenda.

2008 World Junior Championships silver medallist Ashlee Nelson is selected for the 200m, whilst world junior 400m finalist Jordan McGrath will open his season over the one lap event - running the individual race and the 4x400m relay.

"With the European Junior Championships in a little over two months, the McCain Loughborough International forms an important performance stepping stone," said team leader Martin Rush.

"Coupled with next month's Mannheim international - this fixture will give an early indication as to where athletes are in their preparations, and I wish them luck in what should be an exciting match on Sunday."