BARCELONA 2010: Baddeley, McCourt and Lancashire into 1500m final

By Nick Clowes, Sportsbeat, in Barcelona

 ANDY Baddeley looks set to continue Great Britain's distance running revival at the European Championships after cruising into the 1500m final in Barcelona.

NICE AND EASY: Andy Baddeley, the fastest man in Europe this year, and Colin McCourt both make it through to the 1500m final in Barcelona (Reuters)

Baddeley, 28, had to settle for sixth at the 2006 European Championships in Gothenburg but with two World Championship and one Olympic appearance under his belt since then, the UK champion has blossomed into one of the continent's finest.

He arrived in Barcelona as the number one in Europe and his performance in his heat, where he crossed the line in first place in 3:41.46 minutes, confirmed his status as the one to beat.

And with Mo Farah and Chris Thompson taking 10,000m gold and silver respectively on Tuesday, along with Colin McCourt and Tom Lancashire also reaching the 1500m final - Baddeley is well placed to lead a British medal rush in Friday's final.

"In terms of execution that race was perfect for me," said Baddeley. "It was a bit of a slow race but I made my move at the right time.

"I like to think of myself as one of the favourites for gold. There was nothing really to gain from this race, all you can do is make sure of your place in the final and that's what I've done."

As Baddeley eased to victory in his heat, McCourt also extended his stay in the Catalan capital by coming home fourth in 3:41.77.

And McCourt, who has already proved his calibre this season by taking victory at the European Team Championships in Bergen, Norway last month, believes a medal is well within his grasp.

"I came here with plenty of confidence and I knew I was capable of getting to the final," said McCourt.

"The only thing that can hold you back is nerves. You have to just go out there and make sure of getting to the final but I've done that and so I can now look forward to the final and trying to get among the medals."

In the second of two heats, Lancashire was equally impressive and his progress was never in doubt as the 25-year-old former national champion eased his foot off the gas before crossing the line in 3:41.68 in third place.

"I've achieved my main goal tonight," he said. "I just wanted to qualify and make sure of my place in the final and it turned out to be pretty comfortable in the end.

"I'm here to try win the final and the gold medal but the way things are going there's no reason why all three Brits can't be among the medals."