Stokes admits UKA's failings over Lemoncello

STEEPLECHASER Stuart Stokes has said he is not surprised that Andrew Lemoncello has moved to longer distances.

The 31-year-old, British number two, believes UK Athletics' lack of help for steeplechasers is the reason why Lemoncello, plus others including national champion Adam Bowden, have moved away.

"I don't blame them for leaving the steeplechase," said Stokes. "Adam and Andrew received no support whatsoever as far as I know. It's a disgrace."

Lemoncello won bronze at the 2008 European Cup but failed to proceed beyond the steeplechase heats in Beijing, a result that made him take stock.

"It helped me make that decision to step up in distance and start building towards the 2012 marathon and 2014 Commonwealths in Glasgow," Lemoncello told BBC Sport.

"Just over a year from now I might do my first marathon. It would be a good time to start then so I can get the hang of the event before London and Glasgow.

"All the training that we do is marathon-orientated anyway so it's just going ahead and doing the race."